Our blue Drop status was assessed as fair but our green drop status was not up to standard The following is briefly the main challenges facing the municipality in this regard: Shortage of skilled personnel makes proper operations and maintenance difficult; and There is a lack of proper regional catchment management, resulting in storm water entering the sewerage system. The following are some of the steps that have been taken to address these challenges: Infrastructure shortcomings are being addressed through the capital budget in terms of a 5-year upgrade plan; The filling of vacancies has commenced and Waste Water Division will embark on an in-house training programme, especially for operational personnel; 2.4 Overview of budget related-policies The budgeting process is guided and governed by relevant legislation, municipality’s framework, strategies and related policies. 2.4.1 Review of rates policy The Rates Policy will be considered for approval by Council at the budget meeting of 28 June 2014. Amendments have been made with regard to the tariffs increases and the draft policy will be attached to that document. While the draft policy is credible, sustainable, manageable and informed by affordability and value for money there has been a need to review certain components to accommodate all stakeholder views. Some of the possible revisions will include the need for full participation of relevant stakeholders when changing rebates on property rates every year. In addition the rebate structure is also likely to change to incorporate the views from the stakeholders. 2.4.2 Asset Management. Infrastructure Investment and Funding Policy Preserving the investment in existing infrastructure needs to be considered a significant strategy in ensuring the future sustainability of infrastructure and the municipality’s revenue base. Within the framework, the need for asset maintenance was considered a priority and hence the capital programme was determined based on renewal of current assets versus new asset construction. 2.4.3 Budget Policy The budget process is governed by various provisions in the MFMA and is aimed at instilling and establishing an increased level of discipline, responsibility and accountability in the financial management practices of municipalities. To ensure that the municipality continues to deliver on its core mandate and achieves its developmental goals, the mid-year
Our blue Drop status was assessed as fair but our green drop status was not up to standard The following is briefly the main challenges facing the municipality in this regard: Shortage of skilled personnel makes proper operations and maintenance difficult; and There is a lack of proper regional catchment management, resulting in storm water entering the sewerage system. The following are some of the steps that have been taken to address these challenges: Infrastructure shortcomings are being addressed through the capital budget in terms of a 5-year upgrade plan; The filling of vacancies has commenced and Waste Water Division will embark on an in-house training programme, especially for operational personnel; 2.4 Overview of budget related-policies The municipality’s budgeting process is guided and governed by relevant legislation, framework, strategies and related policies. 2.4.1 Review of rates policy The Rates Policy will be considered for approval by Council at the budget meeting of 28 June 2014. Amendments have been made with regard to the tariffs increases and the draft policy will be attached to that document. While the draft policy is credible, sustainable, manageable and informed by affordability and value for money there has been a need to review certain components to accommodate all stakeholder views. Some of the possible revisions will include the need for full participation of relevant stakeholders when changing rebates on property rates every year. In addition the rebate structure is also likely to change to incorporate the views from the stakeholders. 2.4.2 Asset Management. Infrastructure Investment and Funding Policy Preserving the investment in existing infrastructure needs to be considered a significant strategy in ensuring the future sustainability of infrastructure and the municipality’s revenue base. Within the framework, the need for asset maintenance was considered a priority and hence the capital programme was determined based on renewal of current assets versus new asset construction. 2.4.3 Budget Policy The budget process is governed by various provisions in the MFMA and is aimed at instilling and establishing an increased level of discipline, responsibility and accountability in the financial management practices of municipalities. To ensure that the municipality continues to deliver on its core mandate and achieves its developmental goals, the mid-year