Over the past several weeks, the DOCRRA finance subcommittee has been hard at work analysing and compiling written comments and questions on the 2024/2025 KDM draft budget, which were officially submitted at the end of last week.
This submission follows the statutory imbizos which DOCRRA also attended where we raised many of our concerns and recommendations. Finally, a dedicated workshop with the leadership of KDM was held to further unpack the details of our submission.
“This is probably the most austere budget over the last few years and bears testimony to the influence of our members” says Deon Viljoen, chairman of DOCRRA.
“However, we are still addressing the many concerns we have on the allocations, or lack thereof, in the budget” added Brian Botes, chairman of the DOCRRA financial subcommittee. “The reduction, as opposed to an increase, in maintenance spending is a concern as are the continuing electricity losses, and as well as the under-recovery in the waste and water department.”
There is also still a significant amount of flood relief spending that needs to be completed so that it is not returned to national treasury. Despite these substantial projects, we do not feel that a reduction in capital expenditure is justified and are further interrogating this allocation on a ward-by-ward basis.
The submission by DOCRRA is supported by all recognised residents and ratepayers’ and civic organisations in KwaDukuza and the KwaDukuza Organised Residents Alliance (KORA). Please click here to access the DOCRRA Budget Submission made to KDM on our website.
Municipalities in South Africa are obligated by law to engage with community stakeholders in the budget planning process and we are looking forward to a response from KDM with answers to our questions and feedback on our suggestions.
Watch this space!
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