KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has welcomed the increased infrastructure budget allocations for municipalities and the fact that a significant share will go to KZN.

“As KZN Cogta, we have long called for increased allocations for basic services in our local municipalities, which despite major advancements, continue to experience infrastructure backlogs,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.

Tabling this year’s national budget on Wednesday, Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene announced that allocations for water, sanitation and electricity in rural municipalities have been increased substantially.

He said that R4.3 billion will be spent over the next three years to build capacity and strengthen systems for financial management and infrastructure delivery.

Review of infrastructure grants

MEC Dube-Ncube said she was also excited about the planned review of local government infrastructure grants, which will lead to consolidation of this crucial funding for development in the previously disadvantaged parts of KZN.

The review of local government infrastructure grants will give special attention to the maintenance of infrastructure, so that the gains made over the past 20 years continue to be extended and enjoyed by all over the life of these assets.

“We have long submitted to national treasury the argument about the need to review the equitable share allocations to consider costs of implementing projects based on the topography we have in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Repairs and maintenance of municipal infrastructure remains one of our key priorities as we urge municipalities to go back to basics as part of the Back to Basics programme, which we have just launched in the province,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.