Alex residents recently scrutinised service delivery in Region E and had their say on the draft mid-term budget and proposed rates and tariffs for the 2026/27 financial year. This was during the city’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) outreach meeting in Marlboro on April 19.

Speaking at the IDP session, Speaker of Council Margaret Arnolds made it clear that the budget process is not a top-down exercise. Residents, she said, must tell the city exactly what must happen in the city through the formal comment process.

MMC for Finance Ennie Makhafola outlined the city’s vision, noting that the city wants to see collaboration between government and citizens to build trust, accountability, and prioritise basic services.

Read more: How the IDP, budget and tariffs will affect you

She said, “Johannesburg delivers basic services at a scale, but also faces urgent socio-economic challenges, unemployment, poverty and inequality, that demand bold integrated solutions.”

On a positive note, Makhafola highlighted measurable improvements in access to basic services.

“More residents now benefit from improved access to water, electricity, and waste collection. We continue to prioritise service delivery, ensuring a better quality of life for all.”

However, she did not shy away from the pressing problems still plaguing Region E, including maintenance of cemeteries, burst water pipes, illegal connections, illegal dumping and high crime levels. These are among the issues Alexandra is plagued with.

Makhafola also presented a frank state of service delivery analysis in the region, citing problems including vandalism of infrastructure and theft, poor road conditions, recurring sewer leaks and bursts, and frequent power outages caused by outdated electricity infrastructure.

Also read: The City of Johannesburg urges community members to attend IDP session planned for their areas

Residents, who raised their service delivery concerns with city officials, painted a picture of long-standing neglect of some wards in Alex.

Sindi Mashau described the dilapidated state of the buildings and the complete absence of maintenance at Boikgotsong flats.

“Since we have been there, Boikgotsong flats are dilapidated. We are not getting any service delivery. I just want to know why we are being neglected,” she asked.

Ward 75 resident Mamile Skhosana said road infrastructure in some parts of the ward has become almost impassable.

“In Ward 75, you can even see from 6th Avenue, there are potholes, and we have been reporting those potholes. They are so bad that water and sewage leak into those potholes, and it makes it difficult for cars to drive through. We can’t even use those roads,” Skhosana said.

Several attendees claimed that some wards now appear to function as if they have no councillor at all.

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