Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has hit back at Rise Mzansi and the Democratic Alliance over their comments, claiming that the Bomb Squad and Presidential Works Groups have failed. 

Morero asserted that the comments from both parties were misleading and opportunistic, adding that such a statement sought to undermine the dedicated professionals who are diligently working to rebuild the city.

In a statement, the mayor praised the progress of the work done by the initiatives.

“Claims that these initiatives are ineffective are not only false but also an affront to the hard work being done. Since its inception, the Bomb Squad has resolved over 1,200 service delivery hotspots across priority regions, addressing issues such as potholerepairs, water leak closures, and illegal dumping sites,” he said.

He mentioned that where the Bomb Squad has operated, the turnaround time for critical faults has increased by an average of 36%. “Our data demonstrates a marked improvement,” he said.

Morero’s comments come after Rise Mzansi said the initiatives failed to make an impact on the service delivery needs of the residents.

“The decay of Johannesburg is not an accident – it is deliberate and the direct result of uncaring and negligent politicians, and a Council too busy to hold the Executive to account.

“Service delivery cannot be switched on only when foreign dignitaries visit; it must be the daily reality for ratepayers and residents who keep this city afloat,” the party said in a statement on Tuesday.

While the DA has consistently condemned the move, saying the residents needed tangible progress and not just a talkshop.

Morero brushed these off and said his mandate was to improve service delivery, stabilise the finances of the City, restore dignity, and cultivate a city of which residents can be proud.

According to Morero, the Bomb Squad was established to combat crime and disorder through a military-style approach that incorporates proactive Business Intelligence Gathering.

This includes targeted efforts to address land invasions and service delivery challenges.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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