GEORGE NEWS - The focus is on the growth and improvement of infrastructure which is necessary to attract investment, and as a natural result, increase employment levels in George.
"This is what we desperately need to provide a better way of life for our citizens," said Mayor Leon van Wyk in his address to council during the tabling of the Annual Report for the 2022/23 financial year, the draft budget for the 2024/25 financial year and the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
These documents were all tabled on Monday 25 March during a special council meeting. The draft budget and draft IDP are now open for public comment*.
"As a country we are hardly growing our economy at a rate of something below 1% per annum while experiencing levels of inflation of almost 5%," said Van Wyk.
"We are at present witnessing the widespread collapse of state capacity. Examples are ongoing load shedding and water-shedding as many metropolitan areas are unable to provide water to citizens and their economies on a sustainable basis. Transnet Freight Rail and the port operations are similarly underperforming. Roads are crumbling in many areas.
"Within the Western Cape, we are working at full speed to counter this collapse by driving high standards of service delivery and infrastructure."
Van Wyk said the proposed budget for George speaks to the needs of all residents and is proactive and "forward-thinking". "Unlike many other municipalities around South Africa that are failing to meet their constitutional mandate, George is capacitated, responsive and resilient," he said.
Key take-aways from this budget are as follows:
- R51,8m is appropriated over the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) for the installation of solar panels (PV-panels) and battery energy storage systems (Bess) across the municipal infrastructure network with a further R8,96m to reduce reliance on back-up generators through alternative energy solutions.
- R69m is allocated over the MTREF to ensure water security for George through the rehabilitation of the ultrafiltration (UF) plant.
- R53,4m is allocated on the budget for the upgrading of the Gwaiing Waste Water Treatment Works over the MTREF to unlock necessary industrial erven for future development within George.
- The proposed package of free basic services allocated to indigents will increase from R1 234 per month for 2023/24 to R1 318 per month for 2024/25.
The following average increases for municipal revenue are recommended: Property rates, water, sanitation, refuse and general other at 6%; Electricity at 12% which is subject to the determination by Nersa.
* You can now add your comment on the revised 2024 Integrated Development Plan and/or the Draft Budget 2024/25 - 2025/26. The public participation process allows residents to scrutinise the documents and provide feedback.
Copies are available at libraries, municipal offices and on the website. Indicate whether your comment is meant for the IDP or Draft Budget. Comment using the Smart City App; or via e-mail (idp@george.gov.za); or WhatsApp (060 779 7634) or send a written comment addressed to the Municipal Manager, PO Box 19, George 6530.
Persons wishing to comment, but cannot read or write, will be assisted during office hours by the Manager: Budgets: Mrs Le-Anne Maksella at lmmaksella@george.gov.za or 044 8019122, 1st floor, York Street, George. The closing date for comments is Thursday 25 April at 16:30.
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