01 Feb 2017

Francistown City councillors have decried budgetary challenges, which they believe hinder growth and better developments within their city.

Giving a presentation during a special full council meeting on Friday, the chairperson of the Finance Committee, specially elected councillor James Kgalajwe said they had proposed the budget of over P240 million and the proposal was adjusted to P207 million, which is a reduction of over P33 million for the financial year 2017/18.

He said the budget is still to be approved by the minister, therefore this tight budget calls for them to solicit for alternatives in order to close the funding gap.

Cllr Kgalajwe said there is a need for them to look into ways of closing the gap because the budget is not enough to cater for all the needs of the council.

He said there is a need for the council to improve on the collection of debt and provide increased access to payment points by the community and debtors.

Cllr Kgalajwe said they are still negotiating with the banks in order to avail paying points so that people can pay easily and to avoid long queues at their revenue office, which most of the time does not have a revenue collector.

He said there is a need for the council to intensify revenue collection and be prudent on financial management and controls in order to have progress on their projects.

Furthermore, he said the recommendations calls for the collaboration and cooperation by all stakeholders such as the staff, councillors, the community and business partners for success.

For his part, Donga councillor Mr Ben Mpotokwane added to the recommendations saying it is time the council tightens their administration supervision in working towards achieving their goals.

He urged the community to pay their debts regardless of the financial struggles to avoid the consequences they may face in future.

Cllr Mpotokwane raised a concern of mismanagement of water at schools, saying they spend a lot of money on water bills, an issue he said could be addressed in its early stages if there are leakages to avoid paying such high amounts.

He added that it shows that it is time they do maintenance and developments at schools as most of them in the city are dilapidated.

In addition, Itekeng Ward councillor Mr Lesego Kwambala said they should make use of the investment company they plan on having in which they will make use of the city events to make money.

He said it is wise not to rely on government funds only and come up with strategies that will not let opportunities pass them while they are not doing anything.
Satellite South councillor Mr Godisang Radisigo added that for the revenue collection, which they put as a priority in this financial year to succeed, the council should link all their offices to their database so that people can check their statements and pay at their ward offices.

He said they should invest in upgrading their system and technology in order to gain more money, adding that bringing paying points closer to people will bear more fruit. BOPA