15 August, 2005 Press Release Service delivery is on track As the third tier of government closest to the people, Joburg is committed to bettering the lives of its residents by carrying out its constitutional mandate to the fullest; Provide a democratic accountable government for local communities Ensure provision of services in a sustainable manner Promote social and economic development Promote a safe and healthy environment and Involve residents in the affairs of the City Sustained high collection rates and payment levels mean that the City will have more money in its coffers to develop Joburg in relation to residents and business needs and expectations. It is more than getting the basics of service delivery right. It is about creating a conducive environment for investment and growth through service delivery excellence. There is various housing, public safety, transportation, economic and human development projects underway that run into millions of rands. Some of these are with government, financial and educational institutions. Joburg has the biggest municipal budget in the country, 18.9billion, approximately 800 000 account holders, faces a host of developmental and infrastructure challenges but remains a leader and innovator amongst municipalities all the same. Service delivery is on track through our utilities and agencies; Joburg Water completed 152 infrastructure projects to the value of R241million in the past financial year. Some of these included upgrading and installation of sewer and water networks in various areas of the City. Water has achieved 99.7% compliance with regard to bacteriological quality of drinking water. It has replaced/resized more than 1700 large meters for clients. It has implemented a systematic leak detection programme in metered and unmetered areas. Operation Gcin'manzi that spreads across approximately 30 000 stands in Soweto is ongoing. Targeted response times for sewer blockages and water bursts are 24 to 48 hours respectively. There has been a systematic repair of valves and pressure reducing equipment thus reducing physical losses on the water network. City Power recently compiled a new five-year plan to the value of R400-R600 million per annum to eradicate infrastructure problems. 91% of the past budget was spent on infrastructure, public lighting, electrification and new connections. This has been done throughout the City from Dainfern to Mayfair and from Kibler Park to Ennerdale. The City has experienced fewer power outages as a result. Meter readings have increased from 50% to 92% of meters read each month. City Power is currently preparing to install 2400 new connections. Joburg generates a total of 1.4million tons of waste per year. Pikitup does a weekly collection of refuse throughout the City. This has been extended to more than 190 informal settlements. It has also rolled out 240l wheeled bins to 80% of residents replacing the refuse bag system. Fleet has been upgraded to facilitate faster and efficient waste disposal. It operates 48 garden sites and 5 landfill sites. In line with the aims of the World summit on Sustainable Development, Pikitup has a composting plant in Roodepoort. There is also a joint project with JMPD to combat illegal dumping throughout the City. Johannesburg Roads Agency manages 9435km of roads. The overall Network Condition Network is 74, which is rated fair. A total of 188kms of gravel roads due for completion in December 2005 have already been tarred. Traffic signals are receiving major refurbishment throughout the City. There is an ongoing programme of road markings, pedestrian crossings, speedhumps, and safety signage and taxi laybyes. There is also a special schools project with 40 schools with regards to training of scholar patrols and general safety. There are projects around poverty alleviation and HIV/AIDS as well as conservation as we head into the future. 75% of the City's income is derived from the payment of services. This is key to how much the City can do for its residents because delivery of services is not a one sided affair. Ends Virgil James spokesperson communications Telephone: 407 7226 Facsimile: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9415