KAROO NEWS - A series of meetings are being held in towns throughout the Dr Beyers Naude Municipal area to introduce the draft IDP report and draft 2019/20 budget, rates and tariffs to the communities.
On Wednesday 18 April about 80 people attended the meeting at the Sopkombuis in Aberdeen, which was for residents of ward 1 (Lotusville and Thembalesizwe) and ward 7 (Aberdeen town).
The meeting was opened by ward 1 councillor Willem Safers after which Mayor Deon de Vos gave feedback on issues raised at the equivalent meeting a year ago. Some had been resolved, such as some people receiving the title deeds to houses, but the majority of problems on service delivery issues and the poor work ethic of so many of municipal workers remain.
A few fresh issues were raised, and the mayor promised to consult with the relevant departments and get back to the people concerned.
Leonie Fouche gave a detailed presentation on the second review of the 2017-2022 IDP, with a synopsis of the draft 2019/20 report.
Financial Services Manager Simthembile Mbotya introduced the draft budget for the next financial year, including details of the increases in rates and tariffs. He said the increases are necessary, as the municipality is not recovering the cost of providing services.
Mbotya's presentation included information on the benefits available to those who qualify for the indigent grants (IGG), and he urged those who thought they might be eligible to apply at the local municipal offices.
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