City Manager reassures residents on services

08 August 2016

 

Johannesburg City Manager Trevor Fowler today reassured residents that the absence of a clear majority by any party in the City did not mean a halt in services. 

 

Fowler said the City would continue to provide services to residents without interruptions. “As political leaders negotiate the formation of a new municipal government, work is being done, services are delivered and the important task of restoring our people’s dignity through world-class services,” said Fowler.

He also expressed his gratitude to voters and employees for participation in last week’s incident-free municipal elections. Fowler announced that the inaugural Council meeting for the new term of office will be on August 16. In preparation for the inaugural council meeting, there will be a Mock Council sitting at a venue to be confirmed on Wednesday August 11 at 10am.

The City Manager will preside until the election of the Speaker. The newly elected Speaker will preside over Council, which will elect the Executive Mayor and Chief Whip. A Handover Report and an induction and orientation programme for councillors will be tabled for noting along with the Integrated Development Plan for the 2016/17 financial year.

The orientation programme, which will take place over three days from August 22, will also deal with legislation guiding municipalities and general governance issues in the legislature including Municipal Finance Management Act. Should political parties currently in negotiations not agree on a “coalition government”, a minority government could be constituted by either the leading party or a coalition of parties without the majority. A minority government can only pass resolutions with the support or concurrence of other members/parties in Council. This enables a majority on specific issues.

Fowler also thanked Joburg officials and residents for assisting the IEC. “The City appreciates many who helped manage this intricate and delicate process. These are unsung heroes and heroines operating far from the media spotlight,” said Fowler.

The City’s support to the IEC included coordinating and managing election results centre at the SABC in Auckland Park. Staff in both the CoJ regions and the Results Centre worked in excess of 36 hours and showed a high degree of commitment to ensure elections ran smoothly. The City also provided 81 Results Co-Ordinators for verification of results slips and 36 Data Capturers for scanning and capturing of results.

The Joburg Metro Police Department also eployed 2 635 officers for security and logistical support. The City’s Disaster Management team coordinated a service delivery centre and assisted in the re-erection and stabilising of tents that had been blown over by strong winds.

A number of power outages were experienced on Election Day, in both Eskom and City Power supply areas. Outages were attended to in the shortest time possible to ensure that elections were not disturbed.

The Joburg Roads Agency, Pikitup and City Parks also provided cleaning and maintenance of voting stations and surrounds.


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