Rampant electricity theft, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic crippling the local economy, has put huge strain on the finances of the Endumeni Municipality.
The Council debated the draft budget for the 2020/21 financial year at its first ever ‘virtual’ meeting held last month.
Ratepayers will have to cough up an extra 5% on their rates should the draft budget be passed as is.
Other proposed tariff increases include a 5% hike in the refuse removal charge and a 6,24% increase in electricity costs – based mainly on what Eskom charges the Municipality.
Government funds from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, that cannot be used to subsidize rates, account for R14,6-million. Proposed projects include a multipurpose centre in Forestale/Peacvael at R7,4-million, construction of a main road in Marikana, Sithembile, (R2-million) and R5-million on construction of a road in Ward 4.
Mayor, Siduduzo Mdluli, said ‘lots of consideration had gone into compiling the draft budget’.
“The (poor) state of economic growth in our town is alarming and this Is leading to an increase in unemployment and further increasing poverty levels. Our budget seeks to be in line with current government policy of Practical Radical Economic Growth to come into play in all spheres of Government.”
See this week’s Courier for full details of the 2020/21 budget and reaction from opposition parties
Read more:
Endumeni’s 2018/19 budget and IDP has been adopted
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