Council approves budget
Communities were consulted about the budget during izimbizos.
THE Hibiscus Coast Municipality’s final budget was tabled at a council meeting held at the municipality’s council chambers on Tuesday.
The budget of R806 052 240 comprises a capital budget of R101 031 497 and an operating budget of R705 020 743.
HCM mayor Cynthia Mqwebu revealed that as per National Treasury’s guidelines, this year’s budget has taken into consideration the prevailing difficult economic circumstances, as well as road and electricity infrastructure needs, the need to prioritise projects within available resources and the collective bargaining agreement with unions which govern the remuneration of municipal employees.
“A thorough process of consultation had been conducted after the draft budget was tabled at a council meeting held in March this year,” she said.
“Consultations included izimbizo in all clusters, as well as individual meetings with organisations such as ratepayers and non-governmental organisations,” she added.
There is a combined budget of over R15-million for construction of new pedestrian and vehicular bridges to facilitate safe and easy access, particularly in rural areas. R30-million has been set aside for community infrastructure such as halls and sports fields. An amount of R450 000 each has been set aside to support the Ugu Jazz Festival and Africa Bike Week.
