Despite workers being on strike, Mlamleli said the budget for salaries has been decreased while a larger amount will be allocated for infrastructure development. She says cutting unnecessary costs will ensure that the municipality is able to deliver basic services to the people. Mlamleli says the R7.2 billion budget is to ensure that the municipality is able to create employment opportunities, contribute to rural and economic development, eradicate bucket and VIP toilets, develop human settlements, and to ensure productivity.

“The budget for salaries, wages and allowances will decrease from R1.74 billion to R 1.7 billion representing a reduction of 2.54 % (R44.4 million). The municipality has introduced measures to curb overtime and ensure productivity. The indicative allocations for the two outer years of the MTREF period are R1.8 billion and R1.9 billion.”

Mlamleli indicated that the total revenue budget of R7.2 billion, including capital grants for this fiscal year, represents a decrease in revenue of R336.2 million, which is 4.44% less than the 2016/17 adjustment budget of R7.5 billion.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela