JHB mayor eyes AI to boost service delivery
The Johannesburg City has set its sights using Artificial Intelligence [AI] to improve the poor service delivery in South African's economic hub.
The Joburg executive mayor Dada Morero, mentioned this when he delivered the State of the City Address.
During his speech, Morero also mentioned the COJ is looking to support the Lanseria Smart City Programme to boost the city’s economy.
He said that the city’s turnaround plan will use the digital public infrastructure services, which will offer society an investment alignment tool for the city to unlock property value, attract capital service usage and create revenue sources.
“Digital public infrastructure is envisioned not as a tech solution, but as city-wide multiple interconnected infrastructure platforms enabling private investment, business operations and household service use,” said the mayor.
He added, “This means the city will drive the development of a digital public infrastructure that is specifically focused on employing AI to improve services such as detecting water leakages and managing electricity demand and supply.
Morero also stated that the Lanseria Smart City Programme is a significant catalytic project that will grow the economy of Johannesburg.
The aim of the programme is to create a modern, sustainable and inclusive urban area, building upon the existing infrastructure and connecting with surrounding marginalised communities. The project is also part of President vision for a modern, smart city.
“Projects within Lanseria must be supported. To ensure the successful implementation of the Lanseria Smart City and address the pressing infrastructure needs, it is imperative that additional support and guarantees for the Waste Treatment Works project is established,” said Morero.
He added,“This will not only facilitate the timely completion of essential infrastructure but also bolster the overall development goals of the Lanseria Smart City initiative.”
Morero pointed out that the upgraded Integrated Intelligence Operations Centre (IIOC) supports smart surveillance, data analytics and multi-agency coordination in responding to public safety threats.