Tzaneen budgets R1.7 billion for 2022/2023

This was announced by the GTM mayor, Gerson Molapisane, during the State of the Municipality address at the Nkowankowa Community Hall on Wednesday, May 31. He said that the increase in the budget from R1.6 billion in the 2022/2023 financial year, is due to an increase in property rates, service charges, and government grants. As part of the total revenue budget, the municipality has been allocated an amount of R521m as its equitable share.

He said property tax will generate R150m and user charges will generate R803m. A total of R37.2m has been allocated to fund operational activities, including R2 million in finance management grants, R5.4 million in expanded public works programme grants (EPWP), R5m in energy efficiency grants, and R19 million in integrated national electrification programme allocations.

Also read: GTM budgets R1.6 billion for 2022/2023

He added that an amount of R1.5 billion has been set aside from the operational budget for expenditures. Among the factors contributing to the substantial increase are employee-related costs, inventory consumed, and bulk purchases. An amount of R399 million is earmarked for employee-related costs, R94 million represents inventory consumption and R508 million represents bulk electricity purchases.

Regarding roads construction and maintenance, the municipality held two sod-turning ceremonies in May, for the paving of the Zanghoma to Mariveni road project and the upgrading of the Marirone to Motupa access road, which costs R57m and R32m respectively. Molapisane stated that R70.8m has been set aside over the next three years for the repair and maintenance of roads and stormwater across the region.

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Some of the monies will be allocated towards household electrification, electricity infrastructure, water services, and low-lying bridges to name but a few. The mayor also touched on some of the projects which the GTM worked on in the past financial year. He mentioned the upcoming R3 billion Dan City development, which will comprise a shopping mall, school, and motor city. He expressed his excitement about the project and said work is expected to start later this year.

Opposition parties, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus, and the Democratic Alliance were not present on the day. The event was also attended by the deputy minister of police, Cassell Mathale, and Hosi Ribye Muhlava, among other dignitaries