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10/04/2008 03:15 PM - (SA) City's draft budget open for comment 11/04/08
"The budget is integrally linked to the municipality's IDP which commits the City to meeting specific targets over the next five years," says Dr Martin van der Merwe, IDP director. "The five year plan is for the entire Cape metropole and not just for specific suburbs. Thus a fine balance needs to be struck in allocating scarce resources for key focus areas." Seven new aspects have emerged in the IDP document for 2008 to 2012. These include a focus on energy conservation, the formation of an investor facilitation unit, the development of a metropolitan fibre optic network, the launch of a Bus Rapid Transit initiative, the alignment of skills requirements with educational institutions, the pursuing of housing accreditation for the City, and the establishment of a service delivery system whereby councillors and officials are held accountable to the public. According to Councillor Ian Neilson, Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, last year's IDP review and budget highlighted key challenges such as the ageing infrastructure in older areas and bulk infrastructure capacity constraints in developing areas. "The strategies underpinning the City's budget for the next five years will continue to ensure viable and sustainable core infrastructural services over the medium term," he says. The City's budget for the coming year is made up of a R4-billion capital budget and a R15,8-billion operating budget. Major capital budget allocations include over R1-billion for 2010 infrastructure, R682-million for water and sanitation, R581-million for electricity, R460-million for roads and stormwater, R250-million for solid waste, R220-million for new settlements, R157-million for transport, R142-million for sport and recreation, and R108-million for information technology. Public input is crucial for the finalisation of the Draft Budget and IDP. The City of Cape Town thus invites individuals and organisations to provide comments on both documents by April 30. The documents can be viewed at the Cape Town Civic Centre, and at all City libraries and Subcouncil offices. Written submissions can be posted to the City Manager at Private Bag X9181, Cape Town, 8000 or by fax to (021) 400-1332. Those wishing to make a verbal presentation, can book a time slot at their local subcouncil office at least two days before the next subcouncil meeting. For more information, contact the IDP Office on 0860 103 089, Fax: (021) 400-5915/5881 or e-mail idp@capetown.gov.za.
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