24 Aug 2016

Tutume Sub-district Council chairperson, Mr Ishmael Mokgethi has raised concern that revenue collection in the local authority was still low when compared to the money owed.

Speaking at the beginning of the full council session in Tutume on August 22, Councillor Mokgethi said as at the end of June this year, they had only managed to collect P840 245 from their sources against the P3.5 million owed to them. 

He noted that the current unstable financial situation, witnessed nationally, called for the local authority to intensify their revenue collection methods to sustain themselves because the available P52 million revenue support grant was low when compared to their approved budget of P108 million. 

He added that as at the end of last month, their total expenditure stood at almost P32 million. 

Councillor Mokgethi nonetheless stated that they were devoted to strengthening their revenue collection strategies while at the same time practising sensible financial management for the rest of the financial year so as to maintain an acceptable balance in their accounts and financial records.

Updating the House on Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) progress and other infrastructure development in the sub district, he said that construction of Type 1 customary courts offices done through ESP at Matobo and Manxotai was progressing well and on schedule and expected handing over date was November 4, this year.

He however highlighted that the Nata Primary School backlog eradication project which commenced in January this year was behind schedule. The project stands at 27 per cent. 

This, he said calls for both intensified monitoring by the council and commitment by the contractor so as to cover up for the time already lost, to ensure completion and delivery of the project within the stipulated time and budget.

He also stated that the Tutume infrastructure development which entails upgrading of 21.7 kilometres gravel road and earth roads to bitumen standard, construction of bridges and associated drainage structures were ongoing.

He cited as a challenge 10 burial sites identified within the road reserve, which have to be exhumed and reburied at designated burial sites, as the move would attract additional costs.

The Tutume Sub- district Council chairperson challenged fellow councillors to help the council address the challenge accordingly. Ends