SEDIBENG.- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Emfuleni has said that it has voted against the budget during the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Council Sitting in Vanderbijlpark, yesterday.

The party said that the unfunded budget was tabled by the ANC, EFF and small parties’ coalition.

“This budget is unrealistic and does not meet the needs of Emfuleni residents. The unfunded budget means that the municipality plans to spend money it does not have and is unlikely to collect. That puts Emfuleni at serious financial risk. This budget does not give confidence that these issues will be fixed.”

The DA further said that Section 18(2) of the Municipal Finance Management Act says that a budget must be realistic and based on money the municipality can actually collect.

“This budget relies on income that may never come in. Residents deserve a budget that focuses on fixing infrastructure, improving services, controlling spending, and restoring trust. The DA will continue to hold this coalition government accountable and fight for responsible financial management that puts residents first, not politicians’ interests.”

Meanwhile the ANC in Sedibeng said that it welcomes the adoption of the budget.

 The party said that the approval of the budget marks an important milestone in ensuring that the municipality can fulfil its constitutional mandate of providing essential services and advancing development across all communities of Emfuleni.

Jason Mkhwane, ANC Sedibeng Secretary, said that the ANC views the adoption of this budget as a critical step towards strengthening service delivery, improving municipal infrastructure, enhancing financial sustainability and responding to the needs of residents.

“The budget provides a framework through which the municipality can address pressing challenges facing communities while laying the foundation for long term growth and development. We commend all councillors and stakeholders who participated in the budget process and contributed towards ensuring that the budget reflects the priorities and aspirations of the people of Emfuleni.”

The ANC further called upon the newly elected ELM Executive Mayor, Hassan Mako, together with Council and the administration, to ensure the effective implementation of the budget, prudent financial management and accountability in the utilisation of public resources.

“The people of Emfuleni expect visible improvements in service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, job creation initiatives and community development programmes.”