Average tariff up 7.46%

LUKHANJI residents will pay 7.6% more for electricity, 6.8% for property rates and 8% for refuse collection, with an average tariff increase of 7.46% in increases which come into effect today.

Lukhanji mayor Nozi Makanda, in the state of the municipality address in Hewu, said the budget was not that of the amalgamated Enoch Mgijima Municipality to include Lukhanji, Tsolwana and Nkwanca.

It will be Lukhanji’s contribution towards the consolidated budget.

The total will be R689.4-million of which R613.2-million will be for operational costs and R75.2-million for capital expenditure. The equitable share, MIG and MSIG had decreased which could make it difficult to finish projects underway.

The capital was being spent on upgrading gravel roads and maintenance of surfaced roads, revitalisation of the Mlungisi small business centre, construction of halls, completion of sports fields, five-year electricity plan, equipment and construction of shearing sheds.

Makanda said the 2016-17 financial year would be “another challenging and eventful year... because our challenges are destined to increase with the merger”.

She thanked councillors, staff and the community for their support.

“Eight formations plus independents will contest the elections. We are indisputably in a multi-party age, and I think that’s a healthy thing for our democracy.”