Mayor urges public input on draft budget
Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies tabled the first draft medium-term revenue and expenditure framework for Knysna Municipality during a special council meeting on 29 March.
“The total funded capital projects for the 2018/2019 financial year amount to R148-million, with the main focus on water infrastructure of R38.6-million; electricity R30.4-million; sanitation R27.7-million; refuse removal –R1.5-million; and roads infrastructure R10.7-million,” she disclosed.
“The capital budget will be funded by means of grants from national government in the amount of R42.2-million, provincial grants of R10-million, loan funding amounting to R65.9-million and own funding totalling R29.8-million.”
The mayor also highlighted the proposed tariff increases. “Revenue sources remain under strain and in an attempt to balance service delivery with affordability, proposed tariff increases have been limited as follows: electricity 6.83% (as confirmed by the national energy regulator); water 7.5%; refuse removal 2.2%; and assessment rates 6%.”
The draft budget is now accessible for public comment in all wards across Greater Knysna, allowing submissions to be made across all communities. The final budget will be presented to council towards the end of May for council’s consideration and approval.
“I urge all members of the public, ward committees and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure that they attend the public meetings, participate fully and make meaningful and valuable contributions in the budgeting process. It has been brought to my attention that certain groups have not participated in the municipal’s transparent engagement processes in the past and opted to utilise the media to share their input. I can’t stress the importance of our residents’ input and therefore encourage all to participate in the public engagements. Your voice is important to us and I look forward to hearing it,” Bouw-Spies concluded. The municipality has embarked on a public participation process in respect of its 2017/2018 tabled draft budget and draft five-year integrated development plan, which are available at the municipal offices, libraries and on the municipality’s website (www. knysna.gov.za). communities are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the content. The schedule for the public meetings is available on the municipal website, social media pages and advertised in the local media. –