Residents at the ward-level are allowed to directly make contributions towards the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the Budget by expressing their service delivery aspirations as a community.
The City of Joburg’s Finance MMC, Cllr. Jolidee Matongo has on Wednesday, March 24, tabled the draft IDP and the Medium Term Expenditure Framework Budget reports for information and public comment at the 47th ordinary sitting of the Municipal Council.
The draft IDP and Budget reports are a culmination of a consultative process, which considered ratepayers and other stakeholder inputs expressed during Community-Based Planning (CBP) sessions held recently.
According to Cllr. Matongo Residents indicated priority areas to be focused on.
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“They want basic service delivered. Potholes must be filled, dysfunctional robots must be fixed, overgrown grass must be cut, housing provided to those in need, and infrastructure projects implemented to create employment. Due to the Covid-19 lockdown period and its consequent economic downturn, a balance is needed between what is realistic for the City financially and what residents are hoping the City can provide,” Matongo said.
A big percentage of the City of Joburg’s annual operational and capital expenditure is funded by revenue generated independently. The revenue is earned from property rates tax levied on domestic and commercial properties. There are also service charges on electricity, water, sewerage, and refuse. The City also earns interest from fines, forfeits, and penalties. A marginal portion is earned from operating grants.
“The City is not oblivious to the current economic environment, made worse by the current pandemic. We would have preferred to table a zero-increase in tariff proposals, but should we go this route, the City will place its liquidity at risk. It is also important that we exercise financial prudence for us to be able to meet service delivery imperatives expected by ratepayers and residents. Residents can still give us feedback about tariff proposals in the reports,” explained Cllr. Matongo.
The post-tabling public consultation process, as stipulated by the Municipal Systems Act, will allow residents and stakeholders to comment on the draft budget and IDP within the next 30 days after the reports have served at Council. Stakeholders will be consulted through various engagement methods and the City will inform residents on the modalities of the engagement process in the next few days.
“The resident’s feedback will also shape what will ultimately be the final budget to be approved by Council before the conclusion of the current fiscal year. It is important that we work together as the council and residents to strike a balance for the City’s future,” Matongo concluded.
The report is available on the City’s website and Residents may review and submit their comments by no later than April 8.
Public participation meetings will also be hosted from April 8 to May 5.
Meeting details and links to virtual sessions will be available on the City’s website: www.joburg.org.za from April 1.
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