| A budget to deliver a better life for all, says Ugu Mayor. |
|
For immediate release 02 JUNE 2008 Ugu Mayor, Cllr Sthembiso Cele said the R861 million budget for the 2008/2009 financial year approved by Council last week Friday is a budget meant to deliver a better life for the people of Ugu. The R861 million budget consists of a R409 million capital budget and a R452 million operating budget. Speaking during his budget speech presentation, Mayor Cele said they had to consider a number of key issues in crafting this budget. “The recession experienced by the US markets, rocketing oil prices and the rising cost of food and commodities have placed a huge burden on our people”. He said this was important to create a correct balance between meeting the demands of the immediate situation and contributing to the development of a better society for generations to come. With regards to water, the Mayor said they have allocated R76,9 million, in water related programmes such as the following, amongst others:
Illegal connections The Mayor used the occasion of this budget presentation to highlight the tough stance Council is taking against illegal connections. He noted that more arrests are in the pipeline following the sentencing of a municipal employee, a week ago. The point is that we are serious in rooting out these corrupt, illegal and immoral activities from within our ranks. I must add, Mr Speaker that this thing of illegal connections cuts across the whole spectrum of ratepayers. It is not confined to one area and not to a specific group of people”, he said. Customer care The Mayor announced that Council will focus in improving customer care by ensuring that staff dealing with the public is trained, that better working facilities are provided and that the principles of Batho Pele are adhered to. “A new toll free number will be installed to better improve communication with our customers especially those in rural areas, which many at times do not have money to call us to report burst pipes or general inquiries”, he said. The Mayor said using the business unusual approach; they want to ensure that this budget improves the lives of the people for the better. “We want those who did not have access to clean portable water to get water. Those that didn’t have access to dignified sanitation will benefit but of course, it can't be done overnight”, he said. ISSUED BY: UGU DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY For more information and media queries contact: Brian Fikani Dube Mobile: 079 525 7177 |