During the Theewaterskloof Municipality’s (TWK) final budget speech the Mayor, Kallie Papier, stated he understood the impact of the current economic and social pressures on the 2023-’24 budget.
“However, as things are currently the municipality developed the best budget it could with its projected income,” he stated. “I believe this budget will allow us to maintain good governance and sustainable service delivery.”
Residents of the TWK municipal area can prepare for the following increases:. Assessment rates: -13,61% (The tariff is reduced due to a rise in property values as determined by the General Valuation);. Electricity 15,1% (subject to National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s [Nersa] final approval);. Water 9%;. Sanitation (Sewer) 6%;. Solid Waste (Refuse) 6%.
The final budget is therefore summarised:. Total operating revenue of R821 m;. Total operating expenditure of R762 m;. Total capital expenditure of R147 m.
The Budget Turnaround Strategy highlighted the following:. Decision to move certain projects to other years to recover first in 2023-’24;. Need to cut temporary employment (which is paid out of basic salaries and wages – to reduce ratio to below 40%);. Need to provide for a maintenance contract of generators;. Formal tenders must be in place for high commodity items; . Need to manage the daily cash flows better; . No more unauthorized expenditure;. Minimise irregular expenditure;. Uninterrupted and rigorous credit control and debt collections;. Need to optimise own revenue streams and create alternative revenue.
In this budget meeting Papier also thanked the council and officials for their hard work. “I thank council and the officials for their hard work and for their determination to complete the final budget for 2023-’24. I want to thank the public who participated in finalising this IDP and budget. Thank you for the constructive way in which you engaged in our processes. Now waits the most vital part, which is the implementation of this budget.” To view the final budget visit www.twk.gov.za
