04 Dec 2013

The effects of the global recession that started in 2008 continue to impede the country's development, says the chairperson of the Kgatleng District Council, Mr Tona Mooketsi.

Addressing a full council meeting this week, Mr Mooketsi said his council has been experiencing a precarious financial situation over the last two years.

“The state of affairs has unfortunately hit us hard and derailed us from our plans,” he said. “We have on a number of planned programmes and projects been found wanting due to lack of funds and have had to suspend a small number of, but highly significant projects.”
Mr Mooketsi said lack of funds exacerbated the situation and forced the council to make it difficult decisions to augment the shortage.

He said the council had to divert money from the recurrent budget to finance payment of employees who have opted for permanent and pensionable status.

He said the decision was informed by the belief that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development would help the district to meet the deficit that would allow it to carry out projects that had been deferred. “I note with sadness that the ministry has turned down our request for the P6 million needed,” he said.

The council chairperson said this was an unfortunate decision, which forces them to go back to the drawing board to map the way forward. He called on councillors to show team spirit during these difficult times and work together to address the challenges.

He added that these kind of situations strengthen and reshape their character. Mr Mooketsi implored councillors to work as a collective and decisively move forward to ensure continuity of service that would meet the needs and aspirations of the people. Ends