Finance MMC Clr Moses Makwakwa said the high outstanding debt results in limited resources in communities, making it difficult for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to accommodate all the community needs within one financial year. It was therefore necessary to priorities projects.
Despite these challenges faced by the municipality some of the plans tabled in the IDP and budget include construction of KwaThema precinct, KwaThema and Langaville electrification, network enhancement, construction of metro parks depots, development and upgrading parks, extension and upgrading of Selope Thema Clinic, improvement of access in disability health facilities and fixing of roads and storm water drains in various sections’ roads.
Makwakwa discussed which wards these projects had been allocated for and in which allocated draft budget they would fall between the 2016/2017, 2017/2018 or 2018/2019 draft budgets.
“There are also projects that are budgeted for, under corporate level, such as ICT project (Wi-Fi), Harambee (bus rapid transport) systems, land acquisition, major upgrading of water network projects and bulk service of new development.
“The IDP needs that are not covered in the project list will be addressed though the Lungile Mtshali Community Development Programme.
“And in addition to this, some IDP priorities also addressed in the operating budget include grass cutting, repair and maintenance of halls, parks and cemeteries, amongst others,” he said.
