24 Feb 2021

Jwaneng Town Council (JTC) mayor, Ms Olga Ditsie says it is time for councils to look for additional sources of revenue, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the national economy.

Speaking during the first JTC virtual full council session on Tuesday, Ms Ditsie said without additional sources of revenue, the council was bound to fail in its service delivery.

She said the recent budget speech gave an insight into the current state of government coffers, as the minister detailed the financial challenges government was facing as a result of the pandemic.

Ms Ditsie said the decline in revenue across government should serve as an extra incentive for JTC to explore additional strategies to address issues of cost recovery, cost sharing, cost containment and revenue maximisation.

She said one strategy would include a review of the council’s tariffs and fees for various services.

“While we have previously reviewed our tariffs and fees, the ministry has further directed that additional revenue items be identified and levied. In addition, we have been directed to increase our internal collection strategies and tap into technology to improve customer response to servicing their obligations like rates, service levy and other fees payable,” she said.

Ms Ditsie also stressed that JTC should not be known as a ‘subsidy organ’ with businesses paying almost nothing or exempted from rented or leased businesses. 

“This state of affairs cannot continue and I have directed that a comprehensive review of all our leases and contracts be done so that the council could recover what is due to it and ensure levies are imposed where previously service was not charged. We have to brave this difficult times if we are to fully address challenges of financial difficulties brought about by COVID-19,” she warned.

Some of the areas that they would have to tighten on, she said, included collection of rates and clamping down on illegal advertising boards.

The mayor revealed that at the beginning of this month, 67 illegal boards were identified around town while rental arrears for stalls, open spaces and agro-plots stood at above P1 million. 

“These advertising fees and rentals should be a source of revenue and ultimately facilitate adequate service delivery in our town. I, therefore, call upon you honourable members to encourage your electorate to pay the applicable council fees and to settle their arrears,” she said.  

Ms Ditsie also said given the financial challenges experienced by the council, it was imperative that that reflected on the current collection of garden waste for individuals, businesses and industry for free.

She also implored councillors that they should help steer the ship for financial prudence.

“As community leaders, we must be seen to be doing more to assist government, particularly in areas of revenue collection. We must also continue to be seen to lead in the fight against COVID-19 as the community looks for guidance,” she said.  ends