The Mayor of Zululand District Municipality, Michael Khumalo, concluded the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Consultation Roadshow with the final leg held at Cecil Emmett Hall in AbaQulusi.

For the past two weeks, Khumalo has been engaging communities and ward committees on the municipality’s draft budget of R1.6 billion. Community members, who attended in large numbers since the first consultation in Nongoma, warmly welcomed the proposed budget allocations.

Water and sanitation remain priority

Addressing the gathering in AbaQulusi, Khumalo reiterated that the largest portion of the budget will be directed towards improving water and sanitation services, which remain the municipality’s core function.

He also urged indigent residents to update their information on the indigent register to ensure they continue benefiting from the municipality’s free basic water allocation of six kilolitres per household.

Improving service delivery

Khumalo further announced the installation of more than 20 000 water meters to improve the accuracy of water usage measurements. He encouraged residents who are able to pay for municipal services to do so, saying the initiative aims to strengthen resource management, promote accountability and support sustainable service delivery.

Youth empowerment programmes

The mayor concluded his address by outlining upcoming municipal programmes aimed at empowering young people and promoting social cohesion within communities.

“We remain committed to transparent governance and meaningful community participation in shaping service delivery priorities,” said Khumalo.