Ugu adopts R1.8b budget
The mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, said tariff increases are driven by the input costs from suppliers.
Ugu District Council approved a budget of R1.8b for 2025/2026 at a meeting recently.
Some R1 469 793 948 has been allocated for the operational budget and R373 244 700 for the capital budget.
The mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, said that this budget seeks to strike a balance between the delivery of water and sanitation services, while also responding to the challenges of ageing municipal infrastructure throughout the district.
Mqadi said that a tariff increment of 9% for water and sanitation services has been approved, and will be charged to all consumers with effect from July 1.
He said that the tariff increases are driven by the input costs from suppliers. These include an Eskom tariff increase of 12.7% and Umgeni Water tariff increase of 13.5% on bulk water supply.
The cost of producing water is currently at R24.76 per kilolitre.
Some of the water and sanitation projects earmarked are: Umzinto Slum Clearance Farm, Isonti Low-Cost Housing Water and Sanitation Scheme, Umzinto Wastewater Treatment Works, Outfall Sewers Upgrade and Rehabilitation, Margate Extension 3 and 7 sanitation scheme, refurbishment and upgrade of Margate storm-damaged infrastructure, and upgrade of the sewer reticulation system and refurbishment of wastewater treatment works in Harding.
Also, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise received an operating revenue of R26 828 418, which is made up of operational expenditure of R25 934 418 and capital expenditure of R894 000.
IFP councillor Sfundo Ngwane said they applaud Mqadi and support the budget.
“We had asked that rural areas be included in the budget and that has been done.”
* Two councillors were sworn in during the meeting. Nomfundo Dlamini and Anelisa Gege took an oath of office, committing to serve their communities, uphold the law, and perform their duties with integrity.
Dlamini took office as PR councillor and Gege as a municipal representative of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality at Ugu Council.
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