On Saturday, 16 May 2026, residents from Region C packed the Roodepoort City Hall to attend the City of Joburg’s Integrated Development Planning (IDP) engagement session. The event marked the final IDP engagement session for 2026 across the City.
The session drew a strong turnout from all 18 wards in Region C, underscoring the community’s eagerness to shape the City’s development priorities and hold leadership accountable for service delivery.
Prior to the meeting, residents had an opportunity to engage with various City entities and departments to obtain information on basic services and log service delivery queries.
Inside the hall, Council Speaker Cllr Margaret Arnold chaired the session, which brought together ward councillors from the region, alongside the City’s executive leadership, municipal entities, and departments.
Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero was the first to present the draft 2026/2027 IDP, themed “A People’s Plan”, to residents. He explained that the plan was developed with the City’s regions communities, with the aim of building a Johannesburg that works for everyone.
The Mayor highlighted key pillars of the plan, including collaboration with residents, prioritising basic services, and strengthening trust and accountability.
Addressing residents, Mayor Morero stressed the importance of public oversight and participation. “Don’t be afraid to hold us accountable, no matter how many times – we will always welcome that,” he said.
Despite the City’s ongoing challenges, the Mayor said the administration’s commitment to service delivery remains unwavering. He noted that many households now have more reliable access to essential services and that data reflects significant progress in service delivery.
He further outlined projects implemented in Region C over the past year, as well as proposed initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure maintenance. Particular attention was given to landfill sites that have reached capacity.
Mayor Morero said the City is exploring plans to introduce waste incineration as an alternative to landfill sites. He also highlighted upgrades being undertaken by Johannesburg Water to improve water reservoirs and strengthen water supply infrastructure.
The Mayor also appealed to residents to stop illegal dumping in open spaces. “This practice of sending your children, mostly at night, to dump waste in open spaces must stop. We cannot have JMPD arresting you for this instead of them focusing on criminals,” he said.
On water conservation, he urged residents to play their part by repairing leaking taps and reducing unnecessary water loss.
Mayor Morero further announced that qualifying informal traders in the City will soon be allowed to place movable business structures on City-owned land through a lease agreement of approximately 30 years, at a once-off fee of about R3 000.00.
In conclusion, he reminded residents that properties valued below R300 000 are exempt from rates and taxes, while encouraging residents to continue paying for water and electricity services consumed.
The proposed draft rates and tariffs were also presented by a City official from Group Finance. A 3.6% increase for both residential and business properties is expected to take effect from 1 July 2026.
Residents were reminded that pensioners aged 60 and above, indigent households, may qualify for free rates and taxes, including rebates. They may further qualify for free services when they register through the City’s Expanded Social Package (ESP). Young-headed households and unemployed residents were also encouraged to register for the ESP.
Following the presentations, residents were given an opportunity to raise questions and comments.
Many residents voiced frustration over slow progress and ongoing service delivery failures in their wards. Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) issues dominated complaints across several wards, including poor road conditions, potholes, pedestrian bridges, and stormwater drainage problems in flood-prone areas.
Johannesburg Water also faced criticism over sewage spillages on roads, water shortages in some communities, and pit latrine disposal concerns in informal settlements.
City Power-related complaints included street-lighting that have been non-functional for several months. Among residents who raised concerns were Mike Glober from Ward 84 and Nomthandazo Radebe from Ward 49.
Officials from various City entities and departments responded to residents’ concerns and committed to addressing urgent matters swiftly, while noting that some projects may only proceed once sufficient budget allocations become available.
The IDP engagement session provided an important platform for dialogue between residents and City leadership, with many residents leaving hopeful that their concerns would soon translate into visible action and improved service delivery.
SUPPLIED.
