Last night (April 4), the 2018 State of the Town Address (SOTA) and Budget Speech were presented by Mayor, Makohsini Nkosi.
This event gave guests an idea of what to anticipate, going into the 18/19 financial year.
Hosting a Budget Speech event also formed part of the mandated process of public participation by the municipality.
#SOTA2018 Funding the budget – Funding revenue of R1.835 million made up of, Electricity – R692m, Water – R178m, Sanitation – R118m, Refuse – R95m, Property rates – R311m, Government grants – R368m, Other – R68m @Reveshni @nnmunicipality @Om3gaZN
— Newcastle Advertiser (@nnadv) April 4, 2018
On Development Planning and Human Settlements (DPHS)
The completion of a Medical Precinct Plan would contribute to creating development and investment opportunities.
Key focus areas for DPHS included:
- Finalising the Airport Precinct Plan
- Fast-tracking development in the Equarand area
- Fast-tracking planning of so-called entertainment destination places, with a vision to establish amusement parks, a conference centre and weir development in Richview
- Undertaking a feasibility study for establishing a university in Newcastle
- Reviving the Madadeni and oSizweni taxi ranks.
Cllr Nkosi then listed achievements by the DPHS portfolio and capital expenditure to date.
He also provided a status report on Human Settlement projects currently underway.
#SOTA2018 Human Settlement projects in Newcastle @nnmunicipality @Reveshni pic.twitter.com/aj1QUYHXw7
— Newcastle Advertiser (@nnadv) April 4, 2018
This includes the completion of the H39 housing project by May and the Fairleigh/ Siyahlala-la housing project.
On Technical Services
Cllr Nkosi said the key focus area for 18/19 was electrification of 1 250 households in Ward 25 (Siyahlala-la).
In addition, Cllr Nkosi confirmed funds were allocated for road resealing and re-gravelling.
“Though this is just a drop in the ocean.”
Moving on, he said infrastructure was key to water provision and reticulation.
#SOTA2018 Water Provision – Aging and rotting infrastructure persists, but hundreds of millions are budgeted to correct this – Cllr Nkosi @nnmunicipality @Reveshni
— Newcastle Advertiser (@nnadv) April 4, 2018
The problem of ageing and rotten infrastructure, Cllr Nkosi added, was being worked on.
He further provided a cutaway of where numerous multi-year water projects stood.
On Community Services
Cllr Nkosi mentioned the extension of the Newcastle Library was about 72 per cent complete.
New improvements would see a larger study area and computer area, and better access for the physically challenged.
#SOTA2018 Community Services – Refurbishment and extension of the Newcastle Library is 70% complete. The extension will create a more friendly environment for library users @Reveshni @nnmunicipality
— Newcastle Advertiser (@nnadv) April 4, 2018
In addition, the MEC for Arts and Culture provided funds for a modular library for Ward 7 and surrounds.
The Charlestown Hall is complete and due to be handed over soon.
The municipality will also considered taking over licencing functions from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
A total of R1-million has been set aside for this purpose.
Procurement of the Parking Management System has been concluded as well.
The municipality will also extend grass cutting services to Blaauwbosch, Cavan and Johnstone.
Cllr Nkosi said community co-ops would be utilised in this regard.
Key points of the Budget
The total budgeted expenditure for the new financial year is R2.4-billion.
This amount is comprised of R2.2-billion (operational) and R220.5-million (capital).
“In order to fund the operating expenditure, the Budget appropriates funding revenue of R1.835-billion.”
To generate this revenue, tariff increases will be as follows:
- Electricity – eight per cent
- Property rates, water, sanitation and refuse – 7.2 per cent
- Other – 10 per cent
What are your thoughts on the Budget Speech? Leave a comment or email newed2@caxton.co.za
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