Ekurhuleni budget is announced

ALBERTON – Thursday, May 28, marked the announcement of the 2015/2016 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal budget, also known as the medium term revenue expenditure framework (MTREF).

Finance Member of the Mayoral Committee Clr Moses Makwakwa outlined the main points of the budget.

Challenges mentioned by the MMC were poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth; low household income; high levels of unskilled and semi-skilled labourers; inequality; procurement being concentrated to particular suppliers, and fragmented towns leading to high cost of investment.

The decline of manufacturing in Ekurhuleni was also earmarked as a possible negative influence, particularly on employment.

Key points of the proposed 40-year Growth and Development Strategy are the aggressive implementation of infrastructure; revitalisation of manufacturing and township communities, and increasing private-sector investment participation in urban regeneration.

The metro has proposed a community economic transformation package of R2,9-m, seeking to empower pre-qualified businesses owned by youth, women and people with disabilities.

Increased tariffs for assessment rates, electricity, water and sanitation and refuse removal were proposed.

Rates related to cemeteries, libraries and recreational halls, as well as the hiring of sports and recreational facilities were not increased.

“Ekurhuleni remains the most affordable metro in the country in which to live,” MMC Makwakwa stated in his speech.

This sentiment was echoed by Clr Neil Diamond, who said: “Ekurhuleni is the cheapest metro in which to live in South Africa, based on the average total monthly bill of residents.”

The budget was approved in council and will be implemented from July 1, 2015.