Millions budgeted for crucial water provision in Zululand
THE municipal budget for Zululand District has increased from R1.3-billion to
R1.5 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, with a large allocation for upgrading water infrastructure.
Zululand District (ZDM) Mayor Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the draft budget was approved on Wednesday.
“R766-million will be spent on water infrastructure projects, which signifies an increase of R223-million from the current capital expenditure of R542-million.
Youth empowerment and women development will receive an amount of R20-million,” said Buthelezi.
He added that the approval of the budget by Council is an affirmation of the IFP’s commitment to service delivery and good governance.
He said that, in recognition of the municipality’s outstanding record of water provision, Treasury had allocated an extra R300-million to the municipality’s capital budget.
“On Thursday, Treasury transferred R235-million into the ZDM bank account as
additional funding under the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant,” he said.
Ahead of the council meeting, there was some political tension between IFP councillors and the tripartite alliance of the ANC, NFP and
EFF.
“Despite attempts by this tripartite alliance to disrupt the council meeting, they do not have the majority as was their intention,” he said.
“The will of the people of Zululand is that the IFP should govern. They must contest elections and win elections if they want to govern. They cannot use the Cogta MEC as a tool to destabilise our municipality. We will resist those efforts with political and legal avenues available.”
ANC Mzala Nxumalo Regional Secretary Ntokozo Nxumalo said the items on the agenda scheduled to be debated on Thursday included the draft annual budget, a report on the implementation of supply chain management policy, monthly budget statements, and expenditure on staff.
“Our councillors were ordered to wait outside for the IEC councillor list, which was expected to be delivered by a Cogta official. The list was going to be used to verify legitimate councillors,” said Nxumalo. “Our councillors were not part of the budget approval.”