RNM approves R1.4b budget

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Council approved an over R1.4b 2025/26 budget on Tuesday last week.

Concerns were raised about the implementation of the budget, however, several political parties voted in favour.

Presenting the budget, the mayor Zodwa Mzindle, said the projected operating income will come from revenue sources such as electricity charges, transfers and subsidies, waste removal, sale of goods and rendering of other payable municipal services.

Mzindle said property rates will be increased by 4.4%.

Electricity charges will increase by 11.32%.

There will be a 6.5% increase in service charges for waste.

Mzindle added R1.2b was allocated for operating expenditure. This covered salaries and allowances, councillors’ remuneration, bulk purchases, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and impairments.

She added that R10m was allocated for Local Economic Development (LED) programmes, R32m for tourism, R144m for roads, R2.5m for senior citizens, R300 000 for Operation Sukuma Sakhe, and R4.5m for youth support programmes.

“When we presented the draft budget in March, we mentioned that we were doing so under a difficult economic climate. During izimbizo, our communities raised concerns about the state of public roads due to heavy rains, and requested that the budget be increased, specifically for the concrete steep hills. As such, the budget allocation for the concrete steep hills has been increased to cater for 400 to 500m,” she said.

She added that the budget also catered for the purchase of an excavator, roller and water cart.

Commenting on the budget, Clr Leon Garbade, said the budget was funded, balanced and credible.

“However, as good as the budget is, it does not translate to service delivery on the ground. The money seems to go somewhere, but not on the ground. I share the jubilation of the extension of concrete roads, but are we going to do it? The reality is that the departments lack resources. I do doubt that the mayor can force the heads of departments to implement and spend it on what is needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Clr Sfundo Ngwane, said he wondered whether they attended the budget presentation to accompany those who will benefit from the budget.

He asked whether all the roads in all the wards were considered in the budget.

“The bulk of our wards come from the areas of amakhosi. Our residents mostly complain about the conditions of the roads. You will not hear people questioning us about economic or youth development, but you will hear them complaining about access roads. So, the budget allocation for concrete steep hills will make a difference if used correctly,” he said.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram