The Kouga Municipality released a statement on September 1,
informing residents that the current 2022/23 financial year, that came into
effect on July 1, has come with several challenges from a municipal point of
view.
According to Kouga Municipal Manager Charl du Plessis, COVID-19
and the prolonged drought have placed enormous financial strain on Kouga
Municipality’s finances, which in turn, has a direct impact on basic service
delivery.
“As a municipality, we had to make very difficult decisions
in terms of property rate increases, while trying our utmost to find a balance
between making ends meet when it comes to service delivery without suffocating
our ratepayers,” said du Plessis.
He further said the biggest rate increases were that of
vacant plots and business properties.
“We understand the pressure that our local business
community are facing post-COVID-19, and we are committed to do whatever we can
to support them,” said du Plessis.
“The municipality is working on programmes to increase the
local tourism industry, speed up town planning processes to accelerate
development, and to ensure basic services delivered are of outstanding quality.”
Du Plessis said the Kouga Municipality is committed to keeping
their rate increases to a minimum in the upcoming financial year – specifically
with local businesses in mind.
“We thank all residents for their commitment to our cause in
ensuring we deliver the best possible services with the resources we have,” said
du Plessis.
He further said they were committed to not wasting money
unnecessarily, but to focus on the services all residents deserve.
Du Plessis said Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks,
will embark on a series of Mayoral Imbizo’s in October this year to inform the
public of the plans Kouga has for the next four years to ensure it continues to
be one of the top municipalities in the country.
“We are excited to share our plans for our road
infrastructure, sewer upgrades, water security and electricity independence
with residents,” said du Plessis.
