By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Moses Kotane Local Municipality mayor, Nketu Nkotswe said she will ensure that the municipality performs its constitutional and statutory functions within the limits of its approved budget at all times and service delivery tops the agenda.
Nkotswe, who tabled R1 061 075 billion municipal budget for the 2024/2025 financial year said entities must ensure that the municipal budget caters for 107 villages, as well the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) programs.
She further said they anticipate an increase to R1 093 450 billion for 2025/2026 financial year. Nkotswe added that this is due to the increase in equitable share by 6%.
“We acknowledge that the municipality had prepared this compliant tabling of the budget and IDP during the eventful period when General Elections were being held across the country.
“The rural municipality continues to collect small revenue, but in the 2024/2025 financial year, there are some highlights,” she said.
According to Nkotswe, the total capital budget is projected at R252 554 million. She said a total operating expenditure for the 2024/2025 financial year has projected R1 346, 501 billion, which is an increase of R134 143 million, when compared to the 2023/24 adjustment budget.
“A bulk purchase of electricity amounting to R42 000 million. Water services amounting to R197 242 million is prioritised because the municipality is now experiencing a water problem that has to be resolved immediately. Also, we had sanitation amounting to R5 103 million and refuse removal amounting to R11 189 million just to mention a few,” said Nkotswe.
In conclusion, she said the municipality will continue to give priority to initiatives related to service delivery, with a total of R252 554 million in capital projects scheduled for 2024/2025 financial year.
The Guardian 