CITY OF EK URH U LE N I
FUNDING AN INCLUSIVE, EFFECTIVE CITY Cities across the world are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of Covid-19, which requires astute public administration and careful budgeting. The City of Ekurhuleni is determined to use the funds it has available to overcome this trying time to the benefit of every citizen.
T
o unlock sustainable and inclusive growth, South Africa’s major cities must be committed to serving the needs of all and facilitating the development and socio-economic advancement of the most vulnerable in society. In the quest to bring dignity to its people and provide a better life for all, the City will continue deploying its social package, which is set to increase from R3.8 billion to R4.1 billion in FY 2020/21. Further, a R950 million relief package is being delivered through the imposition of a new tariff structure. The people of Ekurhuleni deserve a compassionate government now more than ever, and the indigent relief
breakdown is unpacked as follows: • 100% rebate on assessment rates • free refuse removal • first 100 kWh of electricity per month is free • first 9 kℓ of water and sewer per month is free • special rates on emergency services such as ambulances and fire-fighting • free indigent burial. The City shall also continue to provide the first 6 kℓ of water for free to all households with a property value of up to R750 000. When it comes to electricity, we will be giving 100 kWh of electricity to every household meeting the consumption requirements of 600 kWh and below. The City is also allocating R2.4 billion in the Medium-term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) and R1.6 billion for FY 2020/21 to the Department of Human Settlements. The allocation will be going to, among other key projects, the John Dube, Daggafontein, Leeuwpoort, Tembisa Extension 25, Clayville and Chief Albert Luthuli megaprojects. The combined total yield of these is 27 154 welldesigned, sustainable and integrated human settlements, which will enhance the value of property ownership and integrate the urban environment – making for a more equitable society with greater opportunities for all.
FUELLING THE ENGINE A key aspect of fuelling the engine of Ekurhuleni is the reindustrialisation of the region. To this end, the City is channelling R320.1 million
in the MTREF and R116.6 million in the 2020/21 financial year to the Economic Development Department towards the revitalisation of the economy. Key projects being invested in include the Reiger Park Enterprise Hub, the Ekurhuleni Fresh Produce Market, the Katlehong Automotive Hub, and the Labore Industrial Park. A further R178.3 million in the MTREF and R45.6 million in the 2020/21 financial year have been allocated under council general to actualise, among others, the Aerotropolis Master Plan and the provision of bulk engineering economic infrastructure in the City, paving the way for multifaceted development. The Growth and Development Strategy 2055 directs seeks to build a city that is properly managed, efficiently resourced and financially sustainable. It is for this reason that there is a deep commitment to the institutionalisation of a set of policies intended to regulate and underpin governance operations and capacity. Part of this is ensuring systems run effectively. In its efforts to keep up with the world of technology and related trade, the City has allocated R1.3 billion in the MTREF and R632 million in the 2020/21 financial year towards ICT. Key projects will include server upgrades, data centre upgrades, call centre refurbishment, fibre roll-out, and the Enterprise Resource Planning system, for which R243 million has been allocated. These are just a handful of the City’s budgetary allocations aimed at running an efficient city that grows and improves the lives of its people.
