Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor, Sikhumbuzo Zero Mqadi said at a council meeting on Tuesday last week, that the 2023/24 final budget was welcomed by relevant stakeholders, ratepayers and communities.
The projected revenue inclusive of capital revenue is R1.3 billion.
The budget covered rural storm water rehabilitation, urban storm water rehabilitation, upgrade of Margate Airport, potholes repairs, road reseals, outdoor gyms and other cluster capital projects.
Councillors applauded the fact that repairs and maintenance were allocated 15% of the budget.
Some councillors said that they would like to see more funds allocated for the youth.
Another councillor commented on the Expanded Public Works Programme and that the municipality should look into adopting it and making it their own.
When Mqadi presented the draft budget in April, he said it was similar to the 2022/2023 budget, 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.
As much as the councillors approved the budget and were happy, IFP councillor Sfundo Ngwane said the municipality needs to stop budgeting for the same projects.
“The municipality should consider Amakhosi areas as well. A bridge and road project is budgeted for every financial year but no work is done.”
Ngwane said that the municipality should go into rural areas and not budget for one project, as if it is for the first time.
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