This is the speech made by the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga, during the tabling of the 2018/19 IDP and Budget during a special sitting of Council today at Sammy Marks Council Chamber. #TshwaneBudget2018
Madam Speaker;
Leader of Council Business;
Chief Whip of Council;
Members of the Mayoral Committee;
Fellow Councillors;
City Manager and Senior Managers present today;
Distinguished Guests;
Comrades and Friends;
Members of the Mass Media;
And of course the residents of this great city.
Madam Speaker,
The budget that is presented today is structured around two key priorities. The first is that of driving financial efficiency across the city.
This involves keeping tariffs as low as possible while also ensuring that the city is cost efficient. The second is focused on ensuring that we leverage our existing financial resources to uplift the lives of our people while also creating a conducive environment to the creation of jobs.
Crafting this budget has not been easy for the administration.
I have repeatedly sent them back to the drawing board to review particular costs and to identify where we can save money for the people of Tshwane.
In formulating the 2018/19 budget we ensured that, as with the previous budget, it is fully informed by the goals reflected in our Integrated Development Plan, namely:
1. A City that facilitates economic growth and job creation;
2. A City that cares for residents and promotes inclusivity;
3. A City that delivers excellent services and protects the environment;
4. A City that keeps residents safe; and
5. A City that is open, honest and responsive.
This is the first and most fundamental step in ensuring that we deliver on our mandate of responding to community needs and priorities.
The 2018 Budget Review emphasised that, although global risk factors remain elevated, the world economy continues to provide a supportive platform for South Africa to expand trade and investment.
The world economic growth is at its highest since 2014 and continues to gather pace with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth increasing across all major economies.
However, South Africa’s growth has remained stagnant at less than 2% and unemployment remains high at 26,7%. The GDP growth rate is forecasted at 1,5% in 2018, 1,8% in 2019 and 2,1% in 2020. The CPI rates for the next three financial years is estimated at 5,3%, 5,4% and 5,5% respectively.
- Statistics South Africa’s December 2017 economic statistics showed an unexpected improvement in the economic outlook, largely as a result of growth in agriculture and mining.
However, owing to the drought experienced in several provinces that poses significant risks to agriculture, tourism and economic growth, municipalities will have to improve their efforts to limit nonpriority spending and to implement stringent cost containment measures.
In presenting this budget I am reminded of the quote by American billionaire, Warren Buffet. Who, despite his immense wealth, lives a relatively average life and is one of the greatest philanthropists in the world.
The quote reads as follows:
Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
Since coming into office in August 2016 this administration’s focus has been on planting trees so that the City of Tshwane will have plenty of shade in the future.
Stabilising the City’s finances remains a focus for the 2018/19 Medium-term Revenue and Expenditure Framework. This budget was carefully crafted to ensure that the City is financially stable and that the City is able to render services in a sustainable manner.
You will remember that when we took the reigns from the former administration, we were confronted with many financial disorders. Chief amongst them being that the City was cash-strapped and had closed the 2016/17 financial year with a deficit in excess of R2 billion.
We have started on this heartfelt journey of providing better, affordable services as well as running a clean and honest administration that is free from corruption, and that creates enough jobs and opportunities for all residents.
We are in a process of implementing a financial sustainability plan which will focus on, amongst others, on revenue improvement, expenditure management, productivity due to the review of the micro structure and strategic procurement of goods.
As a responsive administration, we developed this budget under the fundamental guiding principle that it must make optimal use of resources by reviewing current activities for operational efficiency.
Broad budgetary overview
Madame Speaker,
We worked hard in ensuring that current projects are either completed or near completion before starting with new projects and that tariffs are affordable for poorer households and other customers while ensuring the financial sustainability of the municipality.
The financial position of the City is projected to improve over the medium term, with most of the ratios expected to fall within the set benchmarks. The budget can be summarsied broadly by the following:
The total capital budget amounts to R4 billion for the 2018/19 period, R3,9 billion and R4,1 billion for 2019/20 and for 2020/21 respectively.
The Capital Budget for 2018/19 is funded from the following sources:
- Internally generated revenue (including Public Contributions and Donations and Capital Replacement Reserve) – R311 million.
- Borrowings – R1,5 billion.
Grant funding – R2,2 billion.
The City is tabling an operating revenue (excluding capital grants and contributions) of R32,5 billion for the period 2018/19 which escalates to R36,5 billion in 2020/21.
The revenue represents an increase of 6% against the 2017/18 Adjustment Budget.
The city’s primary source of revenue being income from Property Rates is approximately R7 billion.
Sales of electricity and water at R15 billion and the charges related to Sanitation and Refuse removal which comes to R2.5 billion.
The operating expenditure amounts to R32,4 billion this is an increase of 5,7% against the 2017/18 Adjustment Budget, resulting in a surplus of R113,5 million for the 2018/19 financial year.
This, Madam Speaker, is a balanced budget indeed.
The financial position of the City is also projected to further improve over the medium term, with most of the ratios expected to fall within the set benchmarks.
Public consultation on the budget
Madam Speaker,
The budget presented today has undergone public consultation meetings with various stakeholders. These meetings were held across the length and breadth of Tshwane and included a stakeholder summit in Tshwane House.
The draft budget was also placed on the City’s website, as well as distributed to all community libraries and the public was invited to render written comments for consideration.
We further developed an online application to provide additional avenues through technology for communities and stakeholders to participate in the consultation on the draft IDP and 2018/19 budget.
The Tshwane E-Government is a citizen engagement app that fosters participatory democracy, accountability and responsiveness. Through this app, citizens and stakeholders can raise issues, provide input and influence the City’s policies and strategies.
The app has been piloted and is available on the Google Play-store and the Apple i-tunes store. Residents and stakeholders can download the app on their smart devices and participate in the affairs of the city. The app will go through continuous improvements in the coming months and we hope to expand its service offering to residents.
Dembe Nelufule submitted the following comment on the app: “I think this app will be a good thing and the community will also benefit from it, if people use it in a proper way and if someone will be checking on it for 24 hours”.
As part of the development of the app to its full potential, the back office setup is in process and the app will be manned appropriately.
Ward 87 community submitted the following: “Priorities for Ward 87 to be considered for IDP/Budget 2018/19 – Stands at erf 332 behind East Lynn Tshwane bus depot and service stands with Electricity and Water and Sanitation”.
To the community of ward 87, your input during the IDP and budget outreach has not landed on deaf ears.
Budget has been allocated to deal with the issue of available land for the development of the informal settlements in the ward. The Gauteng Provincial Human Settlements department has also prioritised the development of housing within the ward over the MTREF and through our Inter-governmental engagement processes.
Other comments received through the outreach process through the various platforms range from access to basic services, access to houses, delivering of title deeds, economic development and creation of jobs.
Communities also raised the need for the development of community facilities such as community halls and sport facilities. A constant matter that has been raised is the maintenance and upkeep of our infrastructure. Basic upkeep of our urban realm is a major concern for our residents. This budget aims to respond to these matters.
BREAKDOWN ON TARRIFS
Madame Speaker,
The City in its tariff determination has taken into account the affordability of services to its residents. We made every effort to contain the tariffs that are within our control such as the charges relating to property rates and refuse removal and ensure they are in line with inflation.
Property rates tariffs will increase with 6% from 1 July 2018 for all categories of properties except the business, commercial category and industrial properties, which will have an increase of 4%.
The tariff structure for refuse removal comprises of two components, which is for refuse removal and city cleaning. The tariff for refuse removal is based on the cost per m³ (container capacity) of refuse removed per month and on the service provided in a specific area.
A tariff increase of 6% for 2018/19 is proposed.
The City cleaning levy for non-account holders will be implemented in line with size of the bin.
The tariff increases for electricity and water are informed by what is determined by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and Rand Water.
Nersa published their Municipal Tariff Guideline Increase, Benchmarks and Proposed Timelines for the Municipal Tariff Approval Process for the 2018/19 Financial Year on 28 February 2018.
The City has applied an electricity tariff increase of 6,84% as per Nersa guideline.
The bulk purchase tariff increase is actually 7.32% which means the city is internalising some of the costs so that the full amount is not passed onto our residents and business owners.
Rand Water has increased their bulk water sales to the city by 12.2%, again in order to ensure that our residents are not hit with the full cost. We will be levying an increase of 10.5%. This demonstrates our commitment towards ensuring that the City of Tshwane is an affordable place in which to live.
I have expressed my concern on the imposed tarriff increases by Rand Water on municipalities for bulk water purchase.
It is simply unacceptable.
In the case of Nersa there is at least active engagement where the regulator can be engaged and lobbied in a formal manner. However, there is no such platform when it comes to Rand Water. I am encouraged by the fact that National Treasury has indicated that it will assist in this regard.
We need a proper forum where municipalities can engage on the bulk tariff increases when it comes to our water purchases.
I want to emphasise this again, in both the cases for electricity and water the city has not passed on the full costs from the bulk purchases onto our residents. We have actually internalised some of them to make our city more affordable.
Tariff and financial support to poor and disadvantaged residents
Madame Speaker,
We are also fully committed towards ensuring that our poorest residents are either exempt or paying significantly reduced tariffs.
Residents who are registered as indigents are granted 12 kℓ of water free of charge, along with 100 kWh of electricity free of charge.
Indigents also pay no property rates to the City.
In terms of property rates, there is no charge on any properties that are valued at R130 000 or less.
We also have a rebate scheme for pensioners and the disabled as anyone in this category earning, for example, R8 000 or less is entitled to a 50% rebate on their property rates.
The umbrella of social support to our poor residents is important to me and is the reason I continue to place so much pressure on the administration in terms of way in which our tariffs are structured and prepared.
Breaking down Capex
Madam Speaker,
As highlighted previously, our capital expenditure budget for this year is at R4 billion.
Madam Speaker,
I also want to emphasise that our projections also indicate that the efficient spending of this budget could yield thousands of jobs in various industries such as construction, project management and design, planning and other professional services.
It includes major infrastructure investment projects for the following:
- Water and sanitation – R 475 million
- Electricity – R 982 million
- Roads and storm water – R 994 million
- Housing – 901 million
It can then be further broken down into
- Water connections to 12 600 households
- Sewer connections to 3 943 households
- Electricity connections to 6 800 households
- 50 km of new storm water networks
- 56 km of new tarred roads
- Improving the living conditions of our residents in informal settlements by providing rudimentary water and sanitation
Jobs through EPWP
Madam Speaker,
With continued high unemployment rates and poverty levels in the country and the city, it is imperative that we play our role as a city in facilitating job opportunities.
The DA-led multiparty government is committed towards ensuring that our Expanded Public Works Programme creates meaningful opportunities for the people of Tshwane.
This includes the training of participants to increase the output of skilled individuals into the job opportunity environment.
For the coming financial year, we have allocated R137,2 million towards EPWP initiatives. We pride ourselves on the fact that our EPWP was revised to benefit all eligible beneficiaries.
The revised recruitment process guarantees that opportunities are distributed in a fair and transparent manner through public lottery sessions across the city.
Our goal for this past financial year was the creation of 23 000 job opportunities which is what we are committed to doing once again in the 2018/19 financial year as well.
Early Childhood Development
Madam Speaker,
I have read with concern how within the City of Tshwane an increased number of our youth are leaving schools having not completed their matric.
Although Basic Education is not our competency, the city does have a role to play in Early Childhood Development.
A total of R9,9 million has been allocated for early childhood development programmes.
R5 million of this will be rolled out towards the Afterschool Programme in all 7 Regions as a response to the social challenges facing our communities.
The purpose of this initiative is to demonstrate that the City cares for its residents particularly the children and the youth. The programme aims to keep children busy with various sports, culture and homework assistance programmes.
R3,2 million will go towards Early Childhood Development Support to NGOs that operate in the sector and a further R1,7 million for Early Childhood Development food provision.
Former President Nelson Mandela believed that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
In this regard we have budgeted R5,4 million towards library programmes. The money will, amongst others, advance the Born to Read Programme to the tune of R250 000, R1 million for the Career Expo, there is also an allocation of R800 000 for Reading Development Programmes.
In the past two financial years the City also commenced with the construction of three social development centres in Hammanskraal, Winterveldt and Mabopane.
Construction work is far advanced and the respective facilities as they are all nearing completion.
An amount of R30,7 million in social infrastructure grant funding has been received from the Provincial Social Development Department and is allocated for internal fittings including mechanical, plumbing and electrical works as well as external works including storm water, sewer, landscaping. On completion, these centres will assist with social development services in all three communities.
Promoting Sports, Culture and Heritage
Madam Speaker,
As someone who is passionate about being physically active, I feel it is important to ensure that the city promotes an environment and events where people can engage in sporting events.
Sport and Recreation Programmes will thus receive R5,5 million. This will go towards supporting events which will get our people active and healthy.
We are also contributing R500 000 towards the Tshwane Sports Council. It is the mission of the City and Tshwane Sports Council to provide effective control and management of all sport codes in promoting sports development for all the people of Tshwane.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Programmes will get R5 million towards the development and promotion of arts, culture and heritage programmes and fostering social cohesion.
I also want to reiterate my support towards the development of Caledonian Stadium.
Our intention is to have it renovated to PSL standards with a soccer museum and multi-purpose hall, and a sports retail shop, which will attract tourists with the display of Tshwane football legends content. An amount of R35 million has been budgeted for this project.
Refilwe Stadium will also be getting a budget of R20 million which will go towards upgrading of the soccer pitch, gymnasium and will be supported by an athletic track for sports development.
During the last financial year we allocated R1 million towards HM Pitje to determine a way forward with the stadium. In order to bring the stadium up to a FIFA accredited standard it would require approximately R160 million.
Several meetings have taken place over the last two financial years with representatives from the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and different project implementation options were discussed.
The City is proposing to be the implementing agent on behalf of the Provincial Government and further recommends that a Project Steering Committee be established, chaired by the Gauteng Province.
The Tshwane City Manager is to be empowered to enter into a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the Gauteng Province Government. The agreement will indicate the scope of work, estimate and further include the planning, design and construction of the stadium.
All technical information relating to the structural assessment conducted and concept developed and/or any other relevant information to assist the project was made available to Gauteng Province as per their request.
Although we continue to engage with the province we are still waiting on a clear directive and indication of their commitment to the project.
Healthcare and Combatting Drugs
Madam Speaker,
All residents deserve access to quality healthcare services and as a responsive administration, we are doing our bit to contribute to the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.
We are committed towards creating awareness in communities about treatment options and how residents can take better care of their health.
The total budget for the Health function amounts to R364,9 million and includes allocations such as:
- · R18,5 million towards the HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and STI’s programme;
· R8,9 million towards Primary healthcare and Municipal health services; and
· We have also provided R40,3 million towards our drugs and substance abuse programmes.During 2018/19 financial year, the City of Tshwane will embark on a process to strengthen the Tshwane Mayoral AIDS Council to ensure involvement and participation by all sectors of society including civil society and business.
Countering the effects of drugs remains a top priority in this administration.
Just this month, myself and MMC Sakkie Du Plooy conducted oversight visits on facilities in Soshanguve, Mamelodi and Eersterust providing support to those affected by drug and substance abuse.
The focus of our work has been on fostering collaboration between multiple stakeholders in this space so that collectively we can combat the plague of drugs in our communities. I am fully committed towards ensuring that the City of Tshwane continues to do its part in the fight against drugs.
Infrastructure upgrades of our healthcare facilities are also a priority. As such, we have also allocated R26,5 million towards the refurbishment of Rayton Clinic and R4 million for the upgrading of clinic dispensaries.
Lusaka Clinic has received an allocation of R750 000 for planning completion and will be fully funded for construction over the term of the MTREF which has a value of R60 million upon completion.
In the next financial year 2018/19 the city health department will within the budgetary requirement ensure that extension of service hours in municipal clinics are maintained. This will be done while exploring various option in increasing health care access to our communities.
In this administration public health is one of the critical health priorities, through our municipal health services function we will be embarking on intensive health compliance to many of private and public premises within the city. This will ensure that our residents health is protected.
Upgrading Informal Settlements
Madam Speaker,
In line with the City’s long term plans of creating inclusive and liveable neighbourhoods, we have budgeted a total of R290 million CapEx to upgrade informal settlements which include:
- Malusi 1 and 2;
- Midas in Mabopane Ext 12;
- Kanana in Haamnskraal West
- Refilwe Ext7; and
Phomolong.
This means the provision of bulk infrastructure as well as water and sewer reticulation. Providing dignity to our poorest residents is at the foremost of the administration’s thinking and planning.
Targeting settlements for increasing access to water and sanitation as part of our housing programmes include the areas of:
- Kopanong;
- Rama City:
- Winterveldt Ext 3 and 4;
- Mabopane Ext1 and 12;
- Gatsebe;
- Kudube ext 9;
- Zithobeni ext 8; and
- Zithobeni Heights.
- These communities will benefit from household connections to water and sewerage.
This will cost the City R132 million for the upcoming 2018/19 financial year.
At the same time we will be investing more than R261 million to upgrade roads and stormwater as part of settlement development and upgrading.Some of the targeted areas include:
- Refilwe Manor;
- Fort West;
- Olivenhoutbosch Ext 60;
- Soshanguve Ext 5,12 and 13;
- Thornview;
- Winterveldt; and
- Zithobeni Ext 8 & 9.
While the above projects will yield immediate access to water and sanitations for targeted settlements to be upgraded, we will be investing R223 million towards bulk water and sanitation projects which will unlock access for future housing development.
Over and above the above Capital projects for upgrading of informal settlements, the City has set aside an OpEx budget of R92, 5 million towards planning and feasibility processes during the 2018/19 period.
So while on one side we are upgrading informal settlements we are then also ensuring that we facilitate the planning arrangements to identify which informal settlements we can upgrade in the future as well. The following informal settlements will undergo detailed planning and feasibility studies:
- Marokolong;
- Ramotse;
- Majaneng;
- Mandela Village;
- Mashemong;
- Suurman;
- Kudube Unit 4
- Hammanskraal West Ext 4
- Stinkwater Ext 10
- Klerksoord Ext 32
- Nellampius Ext 22 (Erven 12223 and 12224)
- Mabopane Ext 11
- Phomolong (Portion 52 Pienaarspoort)
- Pienaarspoort Ext 20 (Kaponong)
- Pienaarspoort Ext 21 (Lethabong)
- Mahube Valley Ext 15 (Stoffel Park)
- Claremont (Bremmer)
- Hennonpark
- Kanana (Kameelzynkraal)
- Housing
We take note of and understand the concerns regarding housing that come from communities like those at Mooiplaas, Plastic View, Refilwe Ext 7, Nellmapius/ Willow, Kameeldrift and Mabopane among others are saying to us.
We also understand the frustrations that the communities face due to abandoned projects due to poor contractor performance as well as lack of access to services such as roads, water and sanitation.
In the last 3 years the City has been rolling out provision of bulk infrastructure to support in-situ upgrading of informal settlements and consolidation of mixed housing developments.
The 2018/19 Budget has therefore been premised on the above and guided by increasing efficiency in our approach to the provision of decent housing.
We are increasing allocation towards internal reticulation of services (rolling out of serviced stands) where bulk had been completed and/or currently being completed.
This includes existing informal settlements and new settlements where households have been relocated and currently provided with rudimentary services.
There are multiple changes in the 2018/19 Budget that took into account the requests and comments received during the IDP public participation process.
For example:
In Refilwe Ext 7 and 10 in Region 5– households were relocated in the previous year while the City constructed a reservoir to service the area where there was an insufficient supply of rudimentary services.
The new reservoir that will be commissioned at the end of July 2018 provides an opportunity for the connection of bulk to the new settlement and reticulation thereof.
Upon completion of internal reticulation, the settlement will be fully upgraded.In Garankuwa Ext 10 the project was a partnership between the City and Provincial Human Settlements Departments and was abandoned by the contractor in 2013 following poor performance by the contractor.
The project has since been subject to vandalism and point of contention by community at large on the wasted investment.
Both spheres of government have since agreed to rescue the project which will yield a total of 850 units.
Province has allocated funding for top structures and the City has to provide for the rectification of infrastructure and connections to the units.
There is the Nellmapius/ Willows Mega project: The City and Provincial Human Settlements Department have signed an MOU and Implementation Protocol to cooperate on implementation of the projects declared as mega projects, due their strategic location in influencing spatial location and impact in terms of yield (size) of housing opportunities.
This is one of the mega projects that is ready for implementation and will provide housing opportunities that will accommodate a number of informal settlements in Region 6, as well as other housing typologies for different markets.
The City has allocated R16 million to commence with installation of bulk services.
The intention is to spend a further R45 million in the medium term to complete the project.
As part of upgrading of informal settlements, there is a need for assembly of well-located land to provide opportunities for the over-crowded existing informal settlements.
In Region 5, there was also an outcry by backyard dwellers living in areas such as East Lynne who felt neglected and not accommodated in the City’s human settlements programmes.
While we cannot deal with all land requirements in 2018/19, we have allocated R13 million for the purchase of land in 2018/19 to address access to land for human settlement.
In the medium term, more than R39 million is allocated to address challenges faced by communities such as East Lynne, Mooiplaats and others.
At the same time, we are in advanced stages of engagements to with the National Department of Public Works to make available identified land for services and human settlement development.
Priority in our discussions is the acquisition of a portion of land to owned by Public Works for Itireleng to install a bulk water pipe for the people of the area to have clean running water.
Safety and Security
Madam Speaker,
I have noted with concern the continued instances of theft and vandalism at our facilities. As such we have put together a comprehensive security plan backed up by an allocation of R318 million which will go towards security services at our facilities.
We have allocated R6 million towards the upgrading and renovation of Emergency Services Stations. This will bring the facilities to a standard that will ensure low maintenance cost in future.
The Emergency Services stations are utilised on a 24/7 basis and the renovation/alterations will provide better working conditions for the operational personnel.
There are currently 23 Emergency Services buildings and the goal will be to ensure that all stations are kept to an acceptable, sustainable basic standard and to ensure compliance to occupational health and safety standards and that CoC certification is in order.
The Mamelodi Station has received R12 million in 2018/19 financial year.
The urban regeneration of the Mamelodi area will form part of City of Tshwane’s key investment areas and spatial vision concept to create a more effective, efficient and liveable City.
Approval of detailed designs, site establishment, commencement of earthworks and construction will commence during the 2018/19 financial year.
Within the Mamelodi space we have also allocated R15 million for the development of walkways.
Maintenance
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of prioritising the maintenance and repairs of our infrastructure. Unless we are proactive in our ability to maintain our infrastructure then we risk being in an endless game of catch-up.
As such an amount of R1,6 billion has been provided for repairs and maintenance which is an increase of 21% from the previous budget, this is a sizeable increase.
It will be focused on maintaining our electricity, water and roads infrastructure so that we can ensure that it lasts well into the future.
As has been seen in the news, the city has been battling with sinkholes. The budget for repairs and maintenance will also play a critical role in combatting the spread of sinkholes as it will be used to prevent them from occurring in the future by responding adequately to water leaks.
We are also making a dedicated provision of R25 million to addressing existing sinkholes in the city.
Economic Upliftment
Madam Speaker,
The City remains committed to the finalisation of the Business Processing Park (BPO) which has received a total budgetary allocation of R46.9 million. This will support the continued construction of the first phase of the project, the construction of building 2, the installation of bulk services and the installation of IT cabling.
The Tshwane BPO Park represents a big opportunity to stimulate socio-economic growth in the Hammanskraal area. The Park is poised to become a centre of excellence for BPO in South Africa and will offer BPO operators modern and high quality integrated contact centre services, providing a one stop-shop approach to all BPO needs.
The anticipated spin-offs from the implementation of the 1st Phase of the project include:
- Creation of approximately 1800 temporary job opportunities for the local labour and 1 100 permanent jobs upon completion.
Ensuring that 25% of the work is subcontracted to SMME’s. To date, 23% of work has been subcontracted to local SMME’s.
The Tshwane BPO Park will be developed in three (3) phases consisting of 1000 seats per phase, and will also be offering an Incubator and a Training Academy.
Upon the completion of all three development phases, the park will create 3300 new jobs.
Inner City Regeneration
I have been impressed by the continuous efforts that are being made with regards to the Inner City. Just this week I joined in an operation which focused on by-law enforcement and crime prevention.
While we will continue to do law enforcement and by-law operations around the Inner City the time has come for us to start actively renovating the area as well.
The City in partnership with National Department of Public Works developed the Inner City Regeneration Strategy, which is currently being implemented. During the medium term, new offices will be constructed within the Government Boulevard by Public Works for no less than 5 government departments.
Obviously, the City has to provide access to bulk infrastructure for such growth and any other anticipated development as a result of our instilling business and government confidence in our efforts to turnaround the Inner City.
An investment of R41 million is confirmed for the Inner City in 2018/9 with a total of R111.5 million planned for the MTREF only to address capacity challenges in terms of water, electricity and roads and transport.
Our upgrade of the Civic and Northern Gateway Precincts comes to R12.2 million.
Investment
Madam Speaker;
We are committed towards building a competitive city which attracts investment. This is why we are also working towards the automation of the development and building plan processes.
This new online application system will be developed in order to improve the turnaround time for applications from 9 months to 3 months.
Our economic nodes remain as vital areas where we must sustain our capital involvement to facilitate job creation. Approximately R550 million will be channeled to these areas and a total of R1.5 billion over the course of the medium term.
These areas include the Inner City, Watloo/Silverton, Sunderland Ridge/Monavoni, Ekangala, Rosslyn and Wonderboom.
Much of the investment that the City is undertaking in these areas includes upgrading of bulk infrastructure for water, sanitation and electricity, construction of 2 emergency services facilities in the Inner City Watloo/Silverton and development of housing strategically close to these economic activity nodes.
This investment by the City will unlock R72.4 billion worth of private sector investment though projects which are already in the pipeline.
The City has identified and prioritised Automotive, Aerospace, Agro-processing Tourism, Mining and Business Process Outsourcing sectors for skills development to support job creation and growth.
In the next financial year, the City is targeting at least 1700 beneficiaries to be trained through our skills development centres. This will be rolled out in partnership with the institutions such as AIDC, SEDA, EOH, BPESA Gauteng Government, DTI and National Small Business Department.
Municipal Entities
Madam Speaker,
Upon taking office, became fundamentally clear that the City needed to develop a clear mandate for the Tshwane Economic Development Agency [TEDA] and Housing Company Tshwane entities largely because there has been duplicate providers of services also being done by internal departments.
They are special purpose vehicles, tasked with cultivating an environment that grow its human capital and the economy and setting up and managing good quality, affordable rental housing for qualifying tenants who cannot be accommodated in the formal private rental market.
To address the housing gap market, we are working with the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) through our Housing Company Tshwane to build social housing units in strategic land parcels to enforce integration. In the 2018/19 FY, the City has set aside R36m to develop infrastructure and social housing units in Chantelle, Townlands and Sunnyside. At the same time, we are consolidating our rental housing stock to ensure that the investment we make across our housing assets continues to ensure household security while it promotes prudent financial management by the City.
The subsidy to Tshwane Economic Development Agency for the 2018/19 financial year amounts to R54,1 million.
I have also given clear instructions that I want to see a return on the money that is being put into these entities.
The functions of Sandspruit Works Association have been incorporated into the group/parent in line with the disestablishment of the entity as approved by Council on 25 April 2017 and its operations will continue under the corporate structures of the City.
Conclusion
Madam Speaker,
Throughout this speech I have sought to provide a breakdown on how the city is driving efficiencies, managing costs and using its budget to leverage job creation.
We are keeping tariffs as low as possible, prioritising the needs of our most vulnerable and poor communities and ensuring that we drive strategic infrastructure development.
With the projected spend for the next financial year, this administration will play a leading role in the creation of thousands of jobs as well due to the spending of our capital budget.
Madam Speaker,
This is a budget I am proud of, it is balanced, pro-poor and aims to drive economic growth in our city.
We are balancing this with ensuring we maintain our existing infrastructure while also upgrading informal settlements and providing basic services to our people.