Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s mayor, Sikhumbuzo ‘Zero’ Mqadi presented a draft budget of over R1.3 billion for 2023/2024, before council on Tuesday morning last week.
The proposed projected revenue for 2023/2024 is R1 360 955 503. The projected annual operating expenditure is R1 169 010 204 and projected annual capital expenditure is R116 318 952.
The mayor said that the budget is almost the same as the 2022/2023 budget and the reason being that unlike the current year, the projected revenue is exclusive of the housing grant since it is now paid directly to service providers or contractors.
Another reason is because the Neighbourhood Grant has decreased tremendously compared to the current year.
And the budget is also exclusive of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management Grant.
Salaries and allowances related costs have increased to R484 629 468, and councillors’ remuneration is budgeted at R31,4 million.
Electricity has been increased by 18.4%, refuse management has been adjusted upwards by 5.3%
The next financial year starts on July 1, 2023.
“The draft budget will be made public so that our local communities have a chance to have a close look at it, and make representations where necessary.”
People can go online from April 5 and comment until April 19.
Mqadi said roadshows will be held to present the budget to clusters.
Council will meet again before end of May, to approve the final budget.
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