Knysna Executive Mayor – Aubrey Tsengwa has submitted the Medium-Term expenditure Framework Draft Budget Report of year 2024-25 for council’s consideration during its meeting that held on March 27, 2024.
The submitted budget reflected a steadfast commitment to address the challenges that are faced by the municipality against the backdrop of a less favourable than anticipated economic outlook for the country and region.
Mayor Tsengwa emphasised that despite the prevailing challenges, the drafted budget remains committed to serve the needs of the community.
He mentioned that it is imperative that they focus the resources where they are needed the most and ensure to continue the well-being and development of the greater Knysna area.
The budget outlined the key focus areas and allocations within the year 2024-25. It will consider the project related to housing and its services, in which a total of R32.2 million from the Provincial Human Settlement department is earmarked for various housing projects within the area.
Additionally, R8 million is allocated to the installation of serviced sites in Sedgefield. Amount of R7.8 million is provided to the Council funds which is designated for various housing programs that includes to retain walls of emergency materials and relocation efforts.
The budget has also included the electricity sector as the National Department of Energy has allocated R15.7 million for the electrification of houses in Hlalani and upgrades the Knysna Main substation.
Community safety is another sector for which R3.2 million is provided for the establishment of fire stations in Rheenendal and Khayalethu.
Similarly, to create jobs R1.2 million is allocated by which Public Works Programme integrated jobs will be expanded in the departments such as Parks and Recreation and Environmental Management.
The budget will extend R1,227 billion to Infrastructure Maintenance and R1,315.8 billion to the Capital and Operating Budgets.
The operating expenditure budget equates to R1.227 billion and the budget also proposes increase in tariff.