Ugu tables budget of over R1.7 billion
The mayor Sikhumbuzo 'Zero' Mqadi said that there has been notable stability in employer/employee relations within the municipality, which has in essence yielded positive results towards the execution of their core mandate.
Ugu District Municipality mayor Sikhumbuzo ‘Zero’ Mqadi presented his 2023/2024 budget at a council meeting on Monday morning last week.
Mqadi tabled a total budget of over R1.7 billion with an allocation of R360 477 047 for the capital budget and over R1.3 billion for the operational budget.
He said that the adjustment budget is an attempt to strike a balance between ongoing service delivery imperatives and responding socio-economic challenges confronting the district.
Mqadi also said that there has been notable stability in employer/employee relations within the municipality, which has in essence yielded positive results towards the execution of their core mandate.
“We have made great strides to improve our audit opinion and it is a work in progress. The rate of vacancies which existed at senior management level has been attended to, except that of the municipal manager, where processes are at an advanced stage to be concluded.”
The mayor said attempts were made to accommodate all reasonable requests into the final adjustment budget.
“We have implemented downward adjustments to ensure a well-balanced and credible budget adjustment.”
He also tabled some of the water and sanitation projects which are to be implemented in 2023/2024.
In Ray Nkonyeni Municipality these are Msikaba and surrounds water supply scheme, Margate sewer pipeline replacement, Mthamvuna abstraction and water treatment upgrade, Margate sanitation and sewer reticulation and water pipeline replacement.
Madi said the the long-awaited power upgrade of Umtamvuna treatment works has been accelerated, after the signing of a ground-breaking memorandum of agreement between the municipality and interested parties.
“This power upgrade will involve the construction of a medium voltage power line from the Eastern Cape to Umtamvuna low lift pump station. It will increase the Umtamvuna pump station’s capacity to generate and supply 30 million litres of potable water which will create a stable supply to Port Edward, Ramsgate, KwaXolo, KwaNzimakwe and Izingolweni.
Also, some R66 million has been allocated for the roll out of rural ventilated improved pit toilets.
“We have also set aside an amount from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant of just over R2 million for the water and sanitation infrastructure programme.”
Funds have also been allocated for special programmes such as gender-related, the elderly, HIV/Aids, rights of the child, disability and public participation.
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise will receive R32 million.
Councillors had their say, applauded the mayor and accepted the budget.
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