MAJOR upgrades are on the cards for the eSikhaleni community as the City of uMhlathuze readies for its new financial year.
This was revealed at the municipality’s 2016/17 budget presentation at uMfolozi TVET College sports ground on Sunday
Unpacking the R3-billion budget, Mayor Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo outlined some of the mega projects for the area.
With eSikhaleni the largest suburb of 11 wards and with a high population, programmes will include the upgrade of the township’s intersection, budgeted for R18-million; construction of the Establishment Transfer Station worth R1.5-million; eSikhaleni Waste Water Treatment Works which will cost R5-million; and R500 000 for the proposed Security Bicycle Project.
‘We are presenting a draft budget for 2016/17 when our economy is not looking good but we cannot fail our people on service delivery so we are striving to do more with less.
‘This budget does not compromise eliminating poverty and inequalities, economic transformation, creating a conducive environment for employment opportunities and initiating growth and development to improve the quality of life,’ he said.
‘It will help strike a balance between the development challenges of rural areas, development initiatives in promoting economic and industrial growth and the need to maintain existing infrastructure,’ said Mhlongo.
The road show was also to solicit public views, inputs and comments before the final approval of the budget by the National Treasury.
Mhlongo said job creation remains the most pressing concern for the economy as the unemployment rate rises.
‘It is for all South Africans to tighten their belts before spending. We need to develop credible investment programmes that can support growth, based on solid creditworthiness parameters,’
He said municipalities need to review how they conduct their business to ensure value for money is obtained in all their expenditures.
City Deputy Major Cllr Zethu Gumbi, Speaker Cllr Mfundo Mthenjane, Municipal Manager Dr Nhlanhla Sibeko and other municipal councillors were also part of the roadshow.
