Residents of the Langeberg municipal area have until the end of the month to comment on the draft Budget for the new financial year.
The Municipal Manger, Daniël Lubbe, says the draft Budget strikes a balance between its capital and operational needs.
“Langeberg Municipality’s proposed 2023-’24 Budget and tariff adjustments strike a balance between our capital and operational needs, and the financial capabilities of our residents.”
The proposed budget currently stands at R1,2 billion.
“The municipality’s 2023-’24 budget amounts to just below R1,2 billion, represented by a Capital Budget of R118 million and an Operating Budget of just below R1,1 billion.”
Lubbe further explains the needs of the community were carefully considered when the proposed Budget was set up. He also mentioned this new Budget will enable the municipality to invest in various new projects.
“[Council] has made tough decisions to ensure we provide the necessary services and infrastructure to improve the lives of our residents. The proposed tariff adjustments will enable the municipality to invest in upgrading water and sanitation infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and new equipment and technologies for more efficient and environmentally friendly waste management.”
Property rates, a worrisome point for many, will increase by only 1%.
“We understand property rates are a significant burden for many of our residents, particularly in the current economic climate. Although some rate increases are beyond our control, we have made every effort to ensure the increase in property rates is kept to an absolute minimum at 1%, while still allowing us to maintain the essential services that our residents rely on.”
To achieve this, the municipality will be implementing some adjustments to their tariff rates:. Property rates – 1% increase . Refuse – 8% increase . Electricity – 18,65% increase . Sewerage – 6,8% increase. Water – 6,8% increase
Provision was also made for the indigent residents of the community. The Langeberg Municipality currently has 7 100 indigent residents and the subsidy costs to the municipality are as follows:. Providing 50 units of electricity free at a total cost of R6,8 million. Providing 6 kl of Water free at a total cost of R9,3 million. Free refuse services to the 7 100 residents at a cost of R16,9 million. Free sewerage service to the 7 100 residents at a cost of R18,7 million
The municipality, furthermore, managed to invest in large upgrades of large infrastructure and will focus on the following top infrastructure projects:. Generators for water treatment works and pumps – R8, 9 million . Upgrade Robertson Wastewater Treatment Works – R29,1 million. Material recovery facility – R2,5 million . Rehabilitation of the MR219 in Bonnievale – R2,5 million . Nkqubela diversion weir upgrade – R3,5 million . Upgrading of the August Street (Nkqubela) bus route – R8 million . The rehabilitation/upgrading of existing tar roads in all towns – R3,3 million . Electrification of Robertson Heights – R3,4 million. Replacing 66Kv transformers at Robertson Main Substation – R7, 2 million
The municipality invites residents of the Langeberg municipal area to make presentations into the Budget and IDP for consideration in the Annual Budget. The following documents are available at municipal libraries and online or on the municipal website (www.langeberg.gov.za):. Municipal Draft Budget. Budget-related policies. Draft Amended Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Draft IDP-related policies, including ICT policies. Draft Spatial Development Framework (SDF)
Written or electronic comments must be submitted for the attention of the Municipal Manager by 30 April 2023. Comments must be clearly marked: Budget 2023-2024.. Written submissions can be handed in at any Langeberg Municipal Office or sent to Private Bag X2, Ashton, 6715. E-mails can be sent to mm@langeberg.gov.za. Messages can be sent on their official social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).. Their website contact form (www.langeberg.gov.za) can be completed and submitted, or . Reply to any Langeberg Municipal SMS (R1.50 per SMS).. Comments received after 30 April 2023 will not be taken into consideration.
Lubbe concluded: “We believe the proposed budget and tariff adjustments are in line with our municipality’s needs as well as the financial capabilities of our residents. The municipality remains committed to improving the lives of its residents by providing essential services they can rely on, even in these difficult times.”
