The GDS is a strategic plan that focuses on the direction of Johannesburg’s future development, and the challenges that it may come up against. The plan promotes public participation and action in shaping the future of the city.

Under the theme Resource Sustainability, residents and businesses, government and civil society will meet to discuss ideas on how to manage the city in years to come.

Managing resources efficiently
City Power and Eskom have been recently affected by a number of protests relating to power cuts, installation of pre-paid meters and the increase in electricity prices.

With regard to waste management, city authorities will look at the challenges of landfills that are rapidly reaching their maximum capacity.

The city recently introduced a refuse recycling project in north-western Johannesburg with the aim of reducing the volume of waste going to landfill sites.

Water is another critical issue to be tackled at the GDS gathering. Discussions will focus on the management of Johannesburg’s precious water resources. The city is one of the few major urban centres in the world that is not located near a natural water source such as a lake, river or sea.

Some of the water conservation measures currently under consideration include rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse and ground water abstraction.
 
Adding to the water concerns, Joburg faces a major challenge from its gold mining legacy, which has left the city with an acid mine drainage problem.

The GDS discussions are part of city management’s nine-week campaign to get the public involved in Johannesburg’s growth and development.

There are nine themes: resource sustainability, economic growth, community safety, transport, governance, smart cities, liveable cities, environment and health and poverty.
 
The nine-week discussion will culminate in the establishment of a long-term strategy that will outline the city’s development until 2040.

The reviewed strategy will be officially launched at a stakeholders’ summit on Thursday, 20 October. Interested parties can access the GDS review process on Facebook or on Twitter @GDS2040.