Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille on Wednesday tabled a budget of about R29-billion for the city.
The budget provided R24-billion for operating spending and over R5-billion for capital spending.
As per the Municipal Finance Management Act, the budget would be opened for public comment before being put to council for debate in May, De Lille said in a speech prepared for delivery at a council meeting.
Over R2-billion had been allocated for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure, with R1.2-billion specifically for the Integrated Rapid Transport system.
De Lille said this amount was “to demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive city that is connected”.
Budget allocations
Of benefit to the whole city was R190-million for electrification and R58-million for upgrading the water network.
Other budget allocations leaned towards poorer residents.
Provision was made for free basic services — R111-million for water, R153 million for electricity and R282-million for refuse.
The city was proposing a projected rates rebate to the tune of R1.2-billion.
“To help build a caring and inclusive city, we will make a range of investments throughout the city, most especially in the poorest and most marginalised areas,” the mayor said.
Improved services
She allocated over R137-million for the provision of improved services in informal settlements and “backyarder” communities.
The city set aside R41-million for buying land for additional housing.
In Khayelitsha, a R6-million clinic for Site B and a R34-million library in Kuyasa were proposed.
Also proposed were Early Childhood Development Centres in Rocklands, Du Noon, and Delft, at a total cost of R14-million. — Sapa