The eThekwini Municipality's R2.7 billion budget adjustment focused on key allocations for housing, sanitation, and the challenges of water supply.
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THERE has been a mixed reaction to the eThekwini Municipality's R2.7 billion adjustment budget, which was tabled at the eThekwini Council on Thursday.
This budget aims to address critical needs in housing and sanitation, with allocations of R144 million and R634 million, respectively.
A significant portion of the budget, totalling R409 million, is a grant from the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme. Mdu Nkosi, the chairperson of the municipality’s Trading Services Committee, stated that a large part of this funding will be directed towards the Water and Sanitation Directorate, focusing primarily on tackling the challenge of non-revenue water.
The municipality does not have enough raw water resources to meet its water demand," says Nkosi.
He further elaborated that the delayed development of bulk water infrastructure, particularly the Upper Umkhomazi Dam, necessitates a reduction in water demand and the exploration of alternative water sources to align the city's growing needs with available resources in the short term.
“It is for this reason that a significant portion of the budget allocated to water and sanitation will be used for non-revenue water initiatives such as pipe replacement and installation of new and replacement of old water meters,” Nkosi added.
In light of the severe storm damage the city suffered in April 2023, Nkosi mentioned that Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives are already underway. These initiatives aim to transition the business unit into structured digitisation and develop much-needed water resilience against flooding and other disasters associated with the coastal area.
The following projects have been implemented as part of this budget adjustment:
An additional R300 million has been allocated through this budget adjustment to continue these essential works. Nkosi also noted that the budget adjustment provides funding to support the maintenance efforts of the electricity directorate, as well as improvements to the cleansing and solid waste services fleet and landfill sites.
Andre Beetge, an eThekwini Exco member, expressed concerns about the current state of infrastructure, stating, "Residents are not asking for luxuries but for roads that are drivable, functional recreation facilities, sanitation that works, reliable water supply, and stable electricity." He lamented that these essential projects are often not implemented due to delays, incompetence, or lack of capacity, resulting in funds being redirected rather than saved.
“This adjustment budget is not a reflection of strategic governance. It is a reflection of reactive governance compelled by court orders, by crisis, and by consequence,” Beetge asserted.
Themba Mvubu, an EFF councillor, highlighted the importance of the budget allocated for housing, stating it will assist the poor who require homes. He also praised the funds designated for engineering, which he believes will help maintain the roads.
Conversely, Zwakele Mncwango, an ActionSA councillor, expressed concern over the R12 million allocated for litigation costs, describing it as “a reflection of failure and consistently losing cases.” He emphasised that residents are not only paying for poor decisions but also for the consequences of those decisions, insisting that the legal team must be held accountable.
Deputy Mayor of eThekwini, Zandile Myeni, stated that the grants will help accelerate service delivery, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents in the municipality.