The Executive Mayor of Emalahleni, Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalintshali delivered the State of the Municipality Address late yesterday, and it seems to be a very well balanced address giving a transparent overview of what is currently going on in the municipality.
Cllr Ntshalintshali highlighted the capital expenditure budget for 2017/2018. At the backdrop of the Eskom debt is it seems that there is money for infrastructure.
Amongst others R36.4 million is set aside for roads and storm water infrastructure development, R54.8million for water infrastructure development, R83.3 million for sewer purification and reticulation, R45 million for electricity infrastructure development, R13.8 million for replacing and adding of vehicle transport, R4.3 million for office furniture and equipment, IT equipment, R3 million for plant and equipment and R308 million for the establishment of cemeteries.
“Theft and vandalism of electrical equipment on the municipal networks have been on the increase and this has resulted in intermittent power outrages to communities, strain on the municipal budget as this has resulted in huge replacement costs and increase of insurance premiums. It is estimated that approximately R80 million has been lost through theft and vandalism of cables, transformers, pumps, motors and water meters,” Cllr Ntshalintshali said.
She touched on the fifth disclaimer the municipality received for the 2015/2015 year end and said the disclaimer thumped on the municipality’s assets and revenue.
“An action plan is designed and it is followed up on a monthly basis. An assistant manager asset has been appointed and will assist the municipality in accounting for its assets which is believed that the appointment will reduce the number of findings in assets and ultimately the disclaimer matters.”
Non-billing also got the spotlight and Cllr Ntshalintshali said the municipality is currently updating their billing methods and structures.
Read more in WITBANK NEWS on Friday, June 2.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/93239/municipality-promises-good-response/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/93326/my-backyard-is-a-mess/
