Umdoni unanimously approves R400 million budget
Meanwhile, mayor Khathi said their goal as council is to ensure ample energy is given to infrastructure development, improvement of the local economy and waste management services, reductions of contracted services, and improvement of electrification projects.
The Umdoni Municipality council recently adopted a budget for the 2022/23 financial year.
According to municipal spokesperson, Sphelele Cele, the budget was unanimously approved after Umdoni mayor, Sibongile Khathi, received the go-ahead from all councillors.
Cele said Umdoni council approved a budget of R479 846 651, saying that it includes a capital budget of R99 401 710 and an operational budget allocation of R380 444 941.
She added that the capital budget is made up of R42 million from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant; R6 Million from Provincial Grants and R50 Million Internal Funding.
“Projects under the capital budget include four community halls, three sports fields, Umzinto stormwater upgrade, and rehabilitation of roads in Umdoni. Hastened service delivery will address the enduring backlogs takes precedence in this budget with a larger slice of the fiscal pie being allocated towards infrastructure development and rehabilitation,” said Cele.
She added that housing still remains an integral part of community development, saying that a provision of R40 million has been made through the Department of Human Settlements to advance housing projects in Amahlongwa, Amandawe, Mistake Farm, and Vulamehlo.
Meanwhile, mayor Khathi said their goal as council is to ensure ample energy is given to infrastructure development, improvement of the local economy and waste management services, reductions of contracted services, and improvement of electrification projects.
Khathi said the current economic position remains unfavourable following the two-year impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the historical performance in revenue collection by the municipality.
“It is pleasing to witness that this budget is fully supported by fellow councillors. This is testimony that we have taken a stance to work together in contributing to job creation, economic viability and ensure the people of Umdoni have access to basic services. In the upcoming fiscal year, the municipality missions a revenue collection of R381 million made up of rates, grants, subsidies, and other income. Further, a tariff increase of 4.8% is to be implemented,” said Khathi.
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