Councillor says Marlboro needs the city’s attention
Councillor Deborah Francisco says there are business people in Marlboro who struggle to operate because of decaying streets and occupied buildings, issues she believes need urgent attention.
Ward 108 councillor Deborah Francisco says the section of Marlboro that falls within her ward needs serious attention, particularly along Florence Moposho Road.
She said the issue of decaying roads, and illegal occupation of buildings, needs to be addressed.
Francisco noted that in the councillors’ forum, she has consistently called for Marlboro to be fixed. “Last week, there was Operation Lungisa, that means we want our places to be fixed. I also want my Marlboro to be fixed. Check Marlboro and check how it is. It is bad.
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“There are innocent business people who don’t enjoy running their businesses there. The streets are rotten, people have occupied some of those buildings. Those things need to be addressed. I also need beautification of my ward, as a councillor.”
Francisco also pointed to residents living in uninhabitable conditions, stressing that this happens while the temporary relocation units (TRUs) in her ward remain unoccupied.
She said the containers, built as temporary structures during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, have turned some people against her. Last year, the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) found that the units had minor damages, including broken doors and damaged geysers, following their inspection.
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Joshco’s assessment was later followed by a damage review by Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabasa, who, at the time, said repairs were needed before allocation could take place.
Earlier this month, MMC for Development Planning Eunice Mgcina acknowledged that the TRUs still remain unoccupied. “We all know there were issues of budget,” Francisco continued. “[The TRUs] were not complete, and I think that is still the same issue even now. It is within our interest to make sure that people are relocated to those structures.”
Despite visits and remarks made by city officials, some residents continue to look to Francisco for answers. She said she cannot do anything about the containers. “I am hated with passion because of the containers. I need my ward to benefit from them. [Previously], I did not even want them. They were brought by the late mayor Geoffrey Makhubo.
Francisco said these are among the pressing issues that require urgent intervention in her ward.
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