The Democratic Alliance in Rand West City has opposed the annual budget tabled by management of Rand West City Local Municipality in Council on Wednesday May 25.

A media statement released by Councillor Alwyn van Tonder on behalf of the DA read, “The budget made provision that only 3% of the municipal revenue be used for maintenance and repairs of infrastructure; this is below the required 6% to 8% as set out by National Treasury”.

Van Tonder said over the years the underinvestment and underbudgeting led to the dilapidation of the town’s infrastructure which can no longer be tolerated.

“The DA also opposed the budget as the capital budget did not prioritise upgrades to the electrical infrastructure in the rural, plot and farm areas.

The recent plea agreement the municipality entered into with regards to Randfontein Waste Water treatment works had financial implications as a result of the conditions set out in it,” Van Tonder said in the statement.

He added that an amount of R3 million as well as expenses related to the appointment of artisans such as boilermakers and millwrights should also have been budgeted for but were not provided for, and said this clearly showed that there was no thought process in drafting this budget.

“The budget could not be passed as there were only 33 votes for the budget, and 35 were needed. A special Council meeting will be called again.

“The DA will continue to fight on behalf of residents so that the budget is reflective of the needs of the people of Rand West City and that they receive services they are entitled to,” Van Tonder said.