Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has promised a series of interventions to address Ivory Park’s long-standing water, electricity, roads, housing and sanitation challenges, including plans for an 80ML reservoir as the area’s population continues to grow.

Morero committed to the projects during a community engagement at Ivory Park North Community Hall on October 1, after the city postponed its September 18 meeting to allow municipal entities to return and respond to residents’ concerns.

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The mayor said the city recognised that Ivory Park’s rapid population growth had placed increasing pressure on its existing infrastructure, particularly the water network. “The Ivory Park population has grown drastically. When the area started, we did not think it would reach this population,” said Morero.

He said the municipality had completed the design phase for the proposed 80ML reservoir and was looking for funding to begin construction, which could take two to three years.

Morero also attributed some of the current water challenges to illegal connections, leaks and ageing infrastructure. He said the President Park reservoir was under pressure, while an electricity trip in Vaal had also affected the pumping of water into the system.

The mayor said the city was working to address sewer blockages and leaking pipes, while residents were urged to report and repair household leaks and avoid illegal water connections. “Please work with us and stop connecting illegally. Also, when there are leaks in homes, please fix it.”

He said the city loses about 40% of its water through leaks, and that Johannesburg’s ageing water network required significant investment to maintain. Beyond water, Morero said the city had started a programme to address streetlights across Ivory Park’s eight wards, including Ebony Park and Rabie Ridge. Eskom would also be engaged over faulty transformers and electricity supply challenges.

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Johannesburg Roads Agency is expected to continue patching out potholes, repair frequently used roads and resurface a limited number of identified roads, while gravel roads would be graded.

Morero said road infrastructure remained costly, with 1km of road construction estimated at between R10m and R18m. He said the city would need about R3b to comprehensively address road infrastructure across Ivory Park.

Housing was another major issue raised during the engagement, with Morero confirming that nine informal settlements in the area were earmarked for upgrading. The programme will include formalising stands and providing basic services such as toilets, water and electricity, although some overcrowded settlements may require relocation.

Residents also raised concerns about title deeds, electricity transformers and sanitation.

Ward 133 resident Teresa Ndlovu said Goniwe residents had services but were still waiting for title deeds, while Lucky Shabane, from Mabena informal settlement, raised concerns about inadequate sanitation.

Morero also committed to completing the Ivory Park multi-sports complex, which he said required R18m to R20m. He added that the Ivory Park swimming pool would be opened before November 4.

Grab a copy of Midrand Reporter to read more of what was revealed at the meeting.

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