JB Marks Local Municipality has officially released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, 2024-2025 Annual Budget, and Mid-Term Plan, outlining key financial, governance, and service delivery updates for the coming year. The reports highlight progress in infrastructure development, ongoing financial challenges, and strategic plans to improve municipal operations.
Municipality Reports Progress in 2023-2024 Despite Challenges
The 2023-2024 Annual Report showcases significant strides in water and sanitation upgrades, road maintenance, and electrification projects. The municipality invested in replacing aging water pipelines and expanding sanitation infrastructure to accommodate growing communities. High-mast lighting installations and electrification in informal settlements were also prioritized.
However, the report also acknowledges financial difficulties, with revenue collection issues and rising electricity costs impacting municipal operations. The Eskom tariff increase (15%) placed additional pressure on the budget, while debt collection challenges continued to strain municipal finances.
In response, the municipality introduced cost-cutting measures and improved debt enforcement strategies to ensure financial stability. Public engagement was also strengthened, with increased efforts to involve residents in decision-making through ward committees and digital platforms.
2024-2025 Budget Focuses on Infrastructure & Financial Sustainability
For the upcoming financial year, the municipality has allocated R2.26 billion in operating revenue and R215 million for capital projects. Water and sanitation remain a top priority, with R192 million earmarked for pipeline replacements and wastewater treatment improvements.
Tariff increases have been introduced to accommodate rising operational costs, including:
Electricity: 15% increase
Water, sanitation, and refuse collection: 6% increase
The budget also includes major road rehabilitation projects, additional stormwater drainage improvements, and expanded electrification initiatives.
Mid-Term Plan Outlines Strategic Priorities for 2024-2025
The municipality’s Mid-Term Plan focuses on financial stability, infrastructure development, and governance reforms. Plans include:
Enhanced revenue collection strategies to improve municipal cash flow.
Expansion of service delivery, particularly in water provision and sanitation infrastructure.
Improved road maintenance and stormwater drainage systems.
Stronger financial oversight and transparency measures to prevent mismanagement.
Municipal leaders have emphasized the need for innovative solutions to address revenue shortfalls, including partnerships with private investors and national government funding applications.
The 2023-2024 Annual Report and 2024-2025 Mid-Term Report are now publicly available for review. These documents provide key insights into the organization's performance, financial status, and strategic initiatives.
Interested individuals can access the full reports on the official website or obtain hard copies from designated offices. For convenience, the PDF has also been uploaded in above sections for direct viewing.
Looking Ahead
Despite economic challenges, the municipality remains committed to improving service delivery and financial sustainability. Officials have called for public cooperation in ensuring municipal payments are made on time to strengthen the financial position of the municipality.
With key infrastructure projects in the pipeline and governance improvements underway, JB Marks Local Municipality aims to build a stronger, more resilient future for residents.
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