The KwaDukuza municipal budget for 2015/2016 focuses on improving electricity supply, youth development in disadvantaged areas and building low cost homes.
The budget was presented by Mayor Ricardo Mthembu and the full council at the Chief Albert Luthuli Museum in Groutville last Friday.
A grand total of R1,5 billion makes up the new year’s budget, with electricity and refuse rates making up the largest revenue source at R708 million, followed by property rates at R305 million.
“Property rates tariffs have not increased due to the implementation of a new general valuation roll,” said Mthembu.
Refuse removal charges will increase as per tariff of charges with a maximum of 6.95%.
A number of much needed electricity projects are planned, starting with the upgrading of all substations for R3,5 million, new electrification projects to the value of R20 million, as well as the land acquisition and building of KwaDukuza substations worth R38 million.
The electricity rates increase is uncertain until June 29, when the National Energy Regulator of South Africa will report back, but the proposed household increase is 11.84 %, while 12.27% is predicted for industrial and commercial sectors.
Various community facilities such as the building of the Ballito taxi rank are planned, for which an amount of R17 million has been set aside, to run alongside KDM’s first youth development budget.
“This is the first municipality that focuses on young people with R3,9 million budgeted for youth development programmes which will enrich and change their lives. Note this budget is not for entertainment,” he said with a chuckle. `
“The pro-poor budget will see the construction of new homes with a total value of R121 million as well as job creation projects in Mbozamo, Sakhumkhanya and Sokesimbone to the value of R72 million,” he said.
The mayor also announced that five traditional leaders or Amakhosi would be included in future council meetings.
“We want them to know what is happening and we want the Amakhosi to work with us and spread our message to their communities,” said Mthembu.
The mayor stressed the importance of community participation and stated that he was sad to see that people did not come to the roadshows and were not interested in giving their input in the budget.
“It is a pity that the community lost their opportunity to contribute to the budget,” he said.
Minority Front councillor Bikram Sing said that that ratepayers had lost faith in the budget, which is why no one attended the budget roadshows.
“Let us ensure that we spend ratepayers money wisely and let us not waste money on staffing. Only competent and skilled people should be employed, regardless of their colour,” he said.
The DA rattled the tent when they did not accept the budget.
“Unfortunately we are under performing on key basic service delivery areas and the development plan does not reflect the communities’ needs,” said DA KDM caucus leader, councillor Madhun Sing.
“We have to leave a legacy, even if it means removing a few bad apples,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Dolly Govender also stressed the need for radical change in the spending of the budget.
“We cannot come to the end of the year again and realise that the budget was underspent. We also need to stop employing people and carry on with the people we have,” she said.
