CoJ says significant progress made with basic services in informal settlements

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg says it has made progress in extending basic services to informal settlements despite a housing crisis.

A report released in June 2023 shows that there are over 312 informal settlements across the city, mostly on illegally occupied land. 

Speaking during his State of the City address on Thursday, Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda said that access to water, electricity and sanitation had been extended to most residents.

"We have placed the needs of our residents at the forefront of our efforts by timeously working towards improving their quality of life and providing equal access to essential services while prioritising cost-efficiency.

"A prominent achievement is that almost all informal settlements, 97% of them, have now received basic services across all service delivery areas in the city of Johannesburg."