NEARLY R148 million has been projected to be spent on capital projects in Kempton Park in the 2014/15 financial year.
This came after IDP and budget community consultation meetings were held around Ekurhuleni in April.
The purpose of the meetings was to give residents an opportunity to discuss both the draft IDP and new budget.
The IDP is a five-year plan through which municipalities prepare the strategic development plan and includes planning, budgeting, resource allocation and decision-making processes with one of the most crucial aspects being the public participation process.
What is presented during this time are the tariff increments which will be implemented at the start of the new financial year.
The proposed tariff increases are:
Assessment rates: 7.5 per cent on the tariff.
Electricity: between 6.3 and 7.6 per cent.
Water: 8.1 per cent both residential and business.
Sanitation: 8 per cent both residential and business.
Solid waste: 5.5 per cent residential and 6 per cent business.
The increase would see a small household with a property value of R500 000 and a stand between 601 – 900m2, pay R1 264.85 from R1 182.13 for services, which reflects a 7 per cent increase.
A middle income household with a property value of R700 000 would see their municipal bill increase from R2 311.46 to R2 486.53, which translates to an overall 7.6 per cent increase.
The bulk of the budget for Kempton Park will go towards the roads and storm water department with a budget of R104 450 000. The remaining amount will be used for water and sanitation (R32 600 000), energy (R10 000 000), EMPD (R800 000) and health and social development (R50 000).
Although the seven Kempton Park wards have various needs that were identified during last year’s IDP reviews between August and November, the most common is the upgrade of infrastructure. which is why a substantial amount will be used towards the upgrade and maintenance of the roads, storm water systems and paving.
Several projects have been earmarked within the different departments, including the upgrade of Kempton Park fire station, the enhancement of Kempton Park’s electricity network, upgrades to several clinics – including Kempton Park and Spartan – as well as the upgrade of several roads and storm water systems.
The operating budget for the current year (2013/2014) is R25.8 billion with a capital budget of R3 billion. What the metro planned to deliver across the region during the current financial year, are:
Building 44km of new roads and 20km of pedestrian walkways, continue with the maintenance of 180km of roads and 150km of storm water systems.
To have five newly constructed healthcare facilities functioning and serving the community.
Retain the Blue Drop status (water supply quality) as well as provide 24 000 stands with meters while replacing 50 000.
Ensure that close to 30 000 240 kilolitre bins are rolled out and at least 95 per cent adherence to the weekly waste collection schedule.
119 informal settlements will be provided with minimum basic services.
The construction of two new fire stations, the recruitment of 200 reserve force members and replace nine fully equipped emergency vehicles.
5 000 new subsidised households will be electrified.
12 solar high mast lights will be installed as well as 570 new street lights.
The metro also hopes to see five new township business hubs developed and operational.
Comments can still be sent to budgettips@ekurhuleni.gov.za until April 30.
