2014/15 municipal budget to uplift parts of SDB

THE 2014/2015 municipal budget has been approved at a value of R35.8-billion, which includes projects for upliftment in Jacobs, Mobeni and the much-derided Durban port expansion.

The capital budget (new developments) is set at R5.7-billion and the operating budget (existing functions and operations) is R30.1-billion. Mayor James Nxumalo said the budget caters for service delivery needs, economic development and job creation, while youth development will be prioritised with a Youth Office expected to be established in the Mayor’s Office.

It includes various investments to drive economic growth, with the expansion of the Port of Durban and Dube Trade Port being key. “According to the latest eThekwini Investment Dashboard, the number of construction jobs spanning a period of 20 years equates to 3.8-million with the number of permanent jobs at about 600,000. The total investment value of all projects is abouty R507-billion with expected rates revenue of R8.5-billion,” said Mayor Nxumalo.

Upgrades to community residential units (CRUs) are also included in the budget, with SJ Smith receiving R23.9-million and Jacobs Hostel, R10.7-million.

According to ward 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois the 2014/15 capital budget for sets aside R450,000 to be shared between ward 66 and three other wards on upgrading existing parks, with R900,000 to be spent on a stormwater outfall in Noel Road.

“My request for the construction of a community centre – proposed to the city treasurer last November – was not successful,” said Du Bois.

Free basic services are as follows:

* Properties valued up to R185,000 will be exempt from paying rates. Of the properties valued above R185,000, the first R120,000 no rates charged.

* Pensioners, child-headed households, disability grantees and the medically boarded are exempt from paying rates on the first R460,000 of their property value. (This amount is inclusive of the R120,000 mentioned above.)

* Rebate increases from R259-per-month to R278-per-month.

* The first 9kl of water is free to households with property values under R250,000.

* The first 50kwh of electricity is free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in Eskom reticulated areas.

* The first 65kwh of electricity is free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in eThekwini reticulated areas.

* Residential properties valued up to R250,000 are exempt from domestic refuse removal tariff. In addition, a free basic refuse removal service is also available to indigent consumer units living in rural, informal settlements.

* The first 9kl of effluent disposal is exempt for all properties with values under R250,000.

The electricity tariff increased to 7.39%, water is up to 9.9% for domestic properties and 12.9% for businesses. Refuse removal is at 7,9%, sanitation, 7,9% and rates increase to 6.9%.

Du Bois believes now is the time for engaging in talks about perspectives concerning the budget and its appropriations, specifically as it relates to the ward 66 in comparison to other wards.