The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) regards the Johannesburg Metro’s selective approach to infrastructure upgrades ahead of the G20 Summit as a slap in the face of loyal and hardworking taxpayers.
While world leaders will see a polished, albeit temporary, image of Johannesburg, residents’ reality is entirely different.
Throughout the Metro, roads are riddled with potholes, traffic lights are not working, and water and sewer infrastructure is defective. Yet, the Metro is quite happy to spend millions on superficial projects with the sole aim of impressing a handful of foreign visitors for a few days.
The G20 Summit may momentarily focus global attention on Johannesburg, but what residents need are lasting solutions, not window dressing.
Taxpayers deserve the same level of service and investment in their communities as delegates will experience along the G20 routes.
The Freedom Front Plus insists that the Metro adopt a fair and sustainable approach to service delivery. Taxpayers’ neighbourhoods deserve the same urgency and efficiency as the G20 routes.
If the Metro is capable of repairing potholes, replacing streetlights and cleaning areas overnight for a global event, there is no excuse not to do the same for residents as well.
The party will keep holding the administration accountable for squandering taxpayer money and its apparent contempt for the people who pay the bills.
The Freedom Front Plus calls on the Metro to shift its focus to the long-term restoration of Johannesburg’s decaying infrastructure to ensure that taxpayers — not just visiting dignitaries — benefit from a safe, functional and dignified urban environment.
