City announces whopping budget

During his budget speech, member of the mayoral committee for finance, Clr Geoffrey Makhubo, said this combined capital and operational budget for the 2014/15 financial year “bears testimony to the determination of the city to confront social deficits”.

He said one of the most prominent features of the budget is the city’s significant investments in new and upgraded infrastructure and housing development.

He spoke about the city’s plans to implement its Corridors of Freedom initiative, a plan that has been discussed in suburbs such as Cyrildene by officials.

Through this initiative, the city plans to create transport routes surrounded by high-density accommodation that is supported by offices, social facilities, retail development and opportunities for leisure and recreation.

“Developing the Corridors of Freedom is a long-term development programme that requires all city stakeholders to work towards the broader vision. It is important we secure the active involvement of communities, especially those in the vicinity of these developments and broader civil society to ensure the success of these programmes,” said Mr Makhubo. He said the reason for the implementation of this initiative is to address spatial, social and economic inequality which is a legacy of apartheid.

Among the budget allocations, were that of the city’s housing department receiving a three-year capital budget of R2.6-billion. This will be used to upgrade existing informal settlements, hostel refurbishment and the development of mixed-used precincts in the inner city.

City Power will receive an operating budget of R13.3-billion and a multi-year capital budget of R7.3-billion.

Plans for City Power include provision of new infrastructure and the refurbishment of existing infrastructure.

Johannesburg Water will receive an operating budget of R6.4-billion for the 2014/15 financial year, with a multiyear capital budget of R4-billion.

“Numerous upgrades and new infrastructure projects will be implemented city-wide. Through Operation Gcin’amanzi, we will invest R234.2-million in rolling out prepaid meters for water conservation and addressing water losses city-wide,” said Clr Makhubo.

Pikitup receives an operating budget of R1.8-billion for 2014/15 and a multiyear capital budget allocation of R470-million. Clr Makhubo said the allocation will be used to fund key projects such as integrated waste management, street sweeping and the removal of illegal dumping.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is allocated an operating budget of R732-million for 2014/15 and a three-year capital budget of R368-million. The budget allocations are to be used to upgrade various open spaces and parks, to manage public open space and continue with conservation management.

The JRA has been allocated an operating budget of R814-million for the 2014/15 financial year. It was also allocated R5.6-billion over a three-year period to focus on improved road safety and mobility.

For more information on the budget, visit www.joburg.org.za

@JoziReporter