Councillors endorse $188m budget

The budget was unveiled in October and has received criticism from residents and civil organisations, who feel it does not address housing problems facing the city.
The residents also complained that copies of the budget were not made easily available at housing offices dotted around the city so that they could make objections.

During a full council meeting on Wednesday, the Mayor, Councillor Thaba Moyo, moved a motion that the budget be endorsed, and councillors agreed although there were concerns that there were objections from residents.

“The residents made 43 objections, but I think the finance committee addressed their concerns and that is why it is proper for us to now agree on the budget,” said Clr Moyo, to the approval from the floor.
The 2012 budget is more than this year’s of US$178 million and residents would be expected to pay more for essential services.

Water fixed charges, previously pegged at US$1,15, have risen to US$1,21 for high density suburbs and US$2,13 for low density suburbs.
The US$0,48 fixed charge for sewer has risen to US$0,50 in high density  areas and from US$0,54 in low density suburbs to US$1.

The solid waste management charge recorded the highest increase of up to US$4,25 from US$1,14 in high density suburbs and US$6,35 in the low density suburbs up from US$1,71.
Sewer treatment charge per kilolitre rose from US$0,10 to US$0,45 in both high and low density suburbs.

The lowest property tax for residential properties would be US$2,64 and the highest US$43,37 per month. The tax would be used to improve road maintenance, grass cutting, public lighting, and street lighting and pest control.

A total capital budget of US$66 million, drawn from total budget was set up to finance rehabilitation of infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water reticulation systems, which are in a dilapidated state.
The council’s finance and development committee chairperson Clr Nduna Dladla of Ward 11 said the budget was crafted after widespread consultation with different stakeholders who demanded improved service delivery in the next financial year.