Mountain View residents demand action as Morero links water fixes to R8.9bn budget

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

Residents of Mountain View in Ward 06 (Grasmere) say they have endured water shortages for more than 30 years, calling on the City of Johannesburg (COJ) to end delays and what they describe as empty promises.

Joburg mayor Dada Morero, accompanied by officials and stakeholders, met residents on Friday to discuss infrastructure challenges, water supply constraints and unemployment.

Morero said progress hinges on the adoption of the city’s upcoming budget.

“We are at a stage where, if we pass the budget and it is sufficient, we will be able to invest in sewer pipelines,” he said.

He said the city plans to prioritise interventions in Mountain View, including the rollout of ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets, with phase one budgeted at R1,600 and a further R1,200 allocated for completion.

Morero said the city needs to approve a capital expenditure budget of about R8.9 billion by June