Johannesburg is to increase its provision of broadband internet access, offer wireless internet access at libraries - and, it has again claimed - will fix its system for billing for municipal services in a bid to become a "smart city".
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane announced that the city would start using the latest technology to communicate with its residents and increase their broadband internet access.
In the next few months, the provincial government is expected to name the company that will build the broadband infrastructure. The government wants "affordable" basic broadband to reach at least 95% of the province's households and to be available in 20 townships.
City spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said City Power and Joburg Water were bringing out new meters to improve the accuracy of metering and reduce billing time.
He said collaboration between the city and the Gauteng department of economic development would result in the development of the Gauteng smart/techno hub at Nasrec.
The hub will focus on information and communications technologies, and is expected to include a film and animation studio, multi-media centre, data centre, training centre, and a research and development centre.
The city has introduced a multimedia messaging system with which to send statements to citizens.
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