The Finance and Legal Committee of the Northern Municipal Council is pushing for a budget increase to address the issue of inadequate funding impacting service delivery within the municipality. The committee’s proposal aims to align the budget with revenue generation and bring it in line with other municipalities, as current funding levels are deemed insufficient to provide satisfactory services to residents. The lack of adequate budget has led to subpar services in areas such as waste collection, sanitation, security, and landscaping, impacting the municipality’s reputation and overall service quality.
Despite having the smallest workforce compared to other municipalities, the Northern Municipality faces challenges due to its large area and population, necessitating a significant increase in staffing levels. The committee also highlighted the need for additional budget allocation for gardening and landscaping projects, as these services are crucial in maintaining the municipality’s aesthetics and cleanliness. Furthermore, the committee emphasised the importance of equitable treatment with other municipalities under the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.
After reviewing the municipality’s financial report and consulting with the accounting department, the committee decided to formally propose the budget increase during the council’s standing general meeting. The aim is to address the discrepancy in funding levels and ensure that the Northern Municipality has the necessary resources to provide efficient and high-quality services to its residents. The committee also raised concerns about the municipality bearing expenses for maintenance, security, and landscaping, while other municipalities receive support from the ministry.
The committee suggested that contracts for shared services, such as rainwater pumping, landscaping, security, and tree planting, should be standardised across all municipalities under the ministry’s supervision. This would not only ensure consistent service quality but also alleviate the financial burden on the Northern Municipality. By advocating for a fair allocation of resources and shared services among municipalities, the committee aims to improve service delivery and overall efficiency within the Northern Municipality.
In conclusion, the Finance and Legal Committee of the Northern Municipal Council is calling for a budget increase to address funding inadequacies that have impacted service delivery in the municipality. By aligning the budget with revenue generation and ensuring equitable treatment with other municipalities, the committee aims to improve service quality and efficiency. Additional budget allocation for staffing, gardening, and landscaping projects is deemed necessary to meet the municipality’s needs. Standardising contracts for shared services is also recommended to ensure consistent service quality and alleviate financial strain on the Northern Municipality. The proposal will be presented to the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for consideration and approval.
