Key Takeaways
- The City of Johannesburg will no longer tolerate practices that contribute to filth and illegal activity in the CBD.
- Shop and property owners are being warned to clean up their acts and comply with municipal bylaws, including waste management regulations.
- The city will intensify efforts to reclaim the inner city, including impounding vehicles parked in unauthorized areas and shutting down shops that do not comply with regulations.
- Residents are being called upon to assist the city in enforcing compliance and reporting illegal activities.
- The city has made provision for illegal traders to register and be allocated stalls, but failure to comply will result in shop closures.
Introduction to the Problem
The City of Johannesburg is cracking down on filth and illegal activity in the CBD, with Mayor Dada Morero warning shop and property owners that the city will no longer tolerate practices that contribute to the problem. Morero was in the Johannesburg CBD on Monday, accompanied by the ward councillor, the COO of Pikitup, and law enforcement officials, where shopkeepers were instructed to clean pavements outside their premises and remove waste from surrounding areas. The move is part of a broader effort to reclaim the inner city and improve living conditions for residents.
The Cause of the Problem
According to Morero, shop owners are directly contributing to the problem of filth and illegal activity in the CBD. He accused them of littering and dumping waste in front of their shops, with no regard for the law. Morero stated that shop owners have no regard for the rule of law and that the authorities will shut them down without hesitation if they do not comply with regulations. The city has observed a decline in cleanliness standards, coupled with a resurgence of illegal trading, and Morero has blamed shop owners for undermining the city’s cleanliness efforts.
The City’s Plan to Address the Problem
The city has announced plans to intensify efforts to reclaim the inner city, including impounding vehicles parked in unauthorized areas and shutting down shops that do not comply with regulations. Morero has called on residents to assist the city in enforcing compliance and reporting illegal activities. The city has also made provision for illegal traders to register and be allocated stalls, but failure to comply will result in shop closures. Morero has warned that the city will not hesitate to take action against those who do not comply with regulations, stating that "we will shut them down without hesitation".
Addressing Concerns and Criticism
Morero has faced heavy criticism in recent months after the city ramped up service delivery initiatives, including pothole repairs, traffic light maintenance, and cleaning operations before the G20-related activities. Residents questioned why similar urgency was not applied consistently throughout the year and whether the clean-up drive would be sustained. Addressing these concerns, Morero stated that the city’s efforts would continue beyond G20-related preparations and that the city is committed to delivering on its programme to reclaim the city.
The Role of Residents
Morero has called on residents to assist the city in enforcing compliance and reporting illegal activities. He stated that "residents of Johannesburg, we need support from you to help us deal with this problem". The city is relying on residents to help identify areas where illegal activity is taking place and to report any incidents of non-compliance. By working together, the city hopes to create a cleaner, safer, and more livable environment for all residents.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the City of Johannesburg is taking a tough stance on filth and illegal activity in the CBD, and shop and property owners are being warned to clean up their acts and comply with regulations. The city has announced plans to intensify efforts to reclaim the inner city, and residents are being called upon to assist in enforcing compliance. With the city’s commitment to delivering on its programme and the support of residents, it is hoped that the CBD can be transformed into a clean, safe, and thriving area that benefits all residents. The city will continue to monitor the situation and take action against those who do not comply with regulations, and it is expected that significant improvements will be seen in the coming months.
