Other than taking drastic measures against the City of Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to offer presidential intervention to help the Johannesburg Metro reclaim its status.

The intervention comes after Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero admitted things were bad and requested strong support from the national government to tackle the city’s problems, which have been ongoing for many years.

To speed up service delivery, stabilise the city's finances and operations, and promote economic growth and job creation, Ramaphosa said that the newly formed working group will involve all tiers of government and make use of the experience of important stakeholders.

Under the direct direction of the President's Office, the presidential intervention in metropolitan areas was first tested in eThekwini, and plans are under way for comparable control in almost all other metros.

The working group was formed as a result of Ramaphosa pointing out that the problems that Johannesburg is currently facing are similar to those that other metro areas confront, including urban decay, water woes, poor service delivery and a pothole crisis.

A wide range of regional stakeholders, including members from the business community, labour unions, and civil society organisations, will back this project.

“We are proposing the establishment of the presidential Johannesburg working group. What this means is that the situation here in Johannesburg has led you to invite the president into your council chamber. I am now here.

“We are going to work together to rebuild Johannesburg and take it back to its glory days,” Ramaphosa said.

In his address, Ramaphosa acknowledged that the historic central area of Johannesburg has suffered from prolonged neglect and emphasised the urgent need for concerted efforts to transform it into a vibrant, livable, and safe environment for all residents.

Mayor Morero has addressed Ramaphosa's comments made on Thursday, in which he expressed disappointment over the conditions in the city.

Morero assured that his administration is committed to ensuring the president’s concerns are addressed and emphasised that his government will make every effort to prevent further disappointment regarding the city’s state.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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