THE uMfolozi Municipality tabled its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and draft budget 2017/2018 at the Ntuzuma Community Hall last week.
The event was part of a series of roadshows the uMfolozi Municipality is embarking on to strengthen community engagement, while also tabling service delivery progress on existing programmes as well as outlining future municipal activities.
The roadshow was also an opportunity for the community to have an input in the drafting of the budget before it is finalised.
In his address, uMfolozi Mayor Smangaliso Mgenge said although uMfolozi is a small local municipality with a small budget, the IDP and draft budget has been laid out with the needs of the residents of uMfolozi in mind.
‘We firmly believe that our budget is centred on community input gathered during our vast community engagements within all wards,’ said Mgenge.
He said infrastructure development, socially cohesive communities and the empowerment of the youth and women are just some of the key issues the municipality will continue to drive forward.
‘Municipal infrastructure and the integrated national electrification grant projects will be closely monitored by the municipality, as the upgrade of infrastructure will contribute towards driving economic opportunities for the municipality and the residents of uMfolozi.’
Almost 60% of the residents of uMfolozi are youth and the municipality is committed to implementing youth skills development and education programmes which uplift them and increase their chances of employment and entrance into universities.
He also mentioned the municipality would increase tariffs by 5%.
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