Mitchells Plain residents have been urged to submit their comments on the City of Cape Town’s budget before the 30 April deadline.
Subcouncil 17 chairperson Elton Jansen told councillors at Monday’s meeting at Lentegeur Administrative offices that residents should make specific, budget-related suggestions rather than general complaints.
“Don’t comment on Facebook,” Jansen said. “You must say, encourage your community to say, ‘we want new streets’. If you have new proposals or proposals that’s linked to the budget, that is how you comment.”
Budget meetings held earlier
The subcouncil has already held budget meetings on Tuesday, 14 April at Rocklands Civic Centre and Wednesday, 15 April. A final meeting is planned for Saturday at Weltervreden Valley Community Hall in Samora Machel.
Jansen described the budget as “a budget of hope” and “a pro-poor budget”, saying it allocated significant funding for upgrading informal settlements and infrastructure.
He used the Strandfontein Pavilion as an example of successful community engagement, saying he had commented on the development for 12 years before it was included in the budget.
“If you look at the budget, you will see the Highlands Estate sewer upgrade over the next three years. It’s because communities commented,” he said.
Residents can submit budget comments by email at budget.comments@capetown.gov.za or by phoning the toll-free number 0800 212 176.
Success stories shared
Councillor Joan Woodman told the meeting that specific budget comments had worked for her ward. She said she had successfully requested floodlights for rental stock homes and sidewalks in Highlands Village.
“It is important but be specific, give timelines, give everything on there because it’s working for me,” Woodman said.
However, Councillor Ashley Potts said residents were still struggling to understand how to make effective comments, often requesting services that fell under provincial or national government.
Councillor Zukisani Sophazi raised concerns that community requests took too long to be implemented after comments were submitted.
Jansen replied that the City’s budget was like a household budget and that certain items would take priority while others took longer to come to fruition but that this should not deter residents from commenting.
To comment on the budget online visit www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate ; or www.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay
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