10 Aug 2020

Maun Administrative Authority (MAA) councillors have agreed to P244 091 640 as proposed 2021/22 budget estimates.

MAA finance committee chairperson, Mr Luke Motlaleselelo, stated during a recent special council meeting that the figure was a 34 per cent increase from the 2020/21 budget of P181 316 800.

Mr Motlaleselelo, also councilor for Bojanala, said the own source of revenue had decreased by P1 30 560 due to challenges as reduction in revenue collection.

The bulk of the share of the 2021/22 proposed budget, he said, went to special expenses at 34.3 per cent, second largest share allocated to personnel at 33.41 per cent, third largest to running expenses at 24.5 per cent while he least share went to establishment expenses at about five per cent.

Mr Motlaselelo said the Department of Social and Community Development was allocated the most funds.

Councillors welcomed the proposed estimates and hoped that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development would approve or even increase it since the North West District was faced with many challenges.

Councillor for Sedie ward, Mr Kaukapita Kaukapita, said government should, when allocating funds, consider challenges peculiar to the region.

Councillor for Shorobe/Sankoyo, Mr Oabile Chombo, said human/wildlife conflict was among challenges in the region.

Councillor for Boseja South, Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng, challenged the council to expand its revenue generating avenues.

Mr Kelebetseng said there was need to review some rentals and advertising spaces to improve income generation.

Councilor for Boyei, Mr Ntlogelang Kebonyekgotla said certain regulations by government, hindered the council from expanding its sources of revenue. ENDS