Kouga approves R1.735 billion mid-year adjustment budget

Kouga approves R1.735 billion mid-year adjustment budget

Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality has approved its mid-year adjustment budget for the 2024/25 financial year, amounting to R1.735 billion at an Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

The adjustments budget comprises R1.455 billion for the Operating Budget and R279.073 million for the Capital Budget. This reflects a 5.20% decrease in the Operating Budget, amounting to R79.758 million, from the previously approved R1.535 billion. The Capital Budget also decreased by 26.33%, with a reduction of R99.753 million, from the previously approved R378.826 million.

Budget As A Reflection

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said, “While the adjustments reflect reductions, they are necessary to prioritise projects that will have the greatest impact on our communities. This budget is a reflection of our commitment to responsible financial management and the continued improvement of services across Kouga.

Despite the reductions, the Capital Budget includes significant investments in key infrastructure projects. Among these are the electrification of informal settlements, with R3.5 million allocated to Sea Vista and R2 million to Ocean View (Ebumnyameni).

A road resealing project has also been prioritised, with R50 million allocated for the 2024/25 financial year and an additional R150 million planned for 2025/26 through funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

Bornman highlighted the municipality’s focus on addressing critical infrastructure needs.

“Projects like the electrification of informal settlements and the road resealing initiative are vital for improving the quality of life in Kouga. These developments are part of our broader vision to create a connected, safe, and sustainable region,” he said.

Kouga approves R1.735 billion

The adjustments budget also includes an additional R83.804 million from the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS) for upgrading bulk-link infrastructure under phase 3 of the Urban Settlement Development Grant (UISP Incremental Grant) project. These funds, to be utilised over the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, will support infrastructure upgrades across nine UISP settlements.

“This funding allows us to address long-standing infrastructure challenges while laying the foundation for future growth,” said Bornman. “Our goal is to ensure that every resident of Kouga has access to basic services and the infrastructure they need to thrive.”

The approved adjustments budget demonstrates Kouga Municipality’s ongoing commitment to balancing financial responsibility with community development.

“With this budget, we are building a stronger, more resilient Kouga for everyone who calls it home,” said Bornman.

Read more: Kouga Strengthens Measures To Combat Foot and Mouth Disease

Kouga Strengthens Measures To Combat Foot and Mouth Disease

Kouga Strengthens Measures To Combat Foot and Mouth Disease

Kouga Local Municipality has made improvements to the animal holding pen in Humansdorp, This in a step to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD),

Roaming Animals

This facility will now serve as a designated site for the confiscation of unattended and roaming animals. This will reinforce the municipality’s commitment to disease control. The area was declared a Disease Management Area following the FMD outbreak last year.
All animals taken to the holding pen must be branded, tagged, and tested for FMD before release procedures can be considered.
Strict procedures have been put in place. Animal owners must adhere to specific requirements for the safe retrieval of their livestock.

Kouga Strengthens Measures

The municipality is also actively exploring additional measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Also to reduce the risks posed by roaming animals in the region.
Furthermore, the municipality urges residents to take responsibility for their animals and prevent them from wandering onto public roads and spaces Thus prioritising both public safety and disease control.
To strengthen these efforts, the municipality is working closely with the state veterinarian, the Department of Agriculture, Agri Eastern Cape, neighbouring municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders.
For more information on the release process of animals from the holding pen, residents can contact Kouga Law Enforcement Officials. They are Johnny Hayward at 081 322 7399 or Adam Floors at 081 215 8713.

Missing Woman’s Body Found Off Marina Beach In JBay

Missing Woman’s Body Found Off Marina Beach In JBay

On Friday afternoon, a devastating incident occurred at Marina Beach/Claptons when a man and his wife allegedly entered the sea wearing weight belts to perform aqua therapy. According to the husband, they were tied together as they entered the water. He explained that a strong current pushed them, causing his wife to lose her footing. While he managed to free himself from the weights, he was unable to assist his wife.

The beach is renowned for strong currents, backwash, and partially exposed rocks. It is difficult to describe it as a comfortable swimming beach, with so many safer options nearby. The couple were homeless. They  moved out of a rented cottage in JBay a little while ago when they ran out of money. The woman was on crutches and in a wheelchair. She needed a knee replacement, but the couple didn’t believe in doctors. So, aqua therapy was their option.

Missing Woman’s Body Found

In the early hours of the morning, the body of the missing woman was found by divers. A nearby fisherman was called to assist in bringing the body onto the beach. Marina Martinique’s security noticed lights on the beach and immediately investigated.

Exec Ops Protection Services responded swiftly, assisting SAPS and Pathology services in retrieving the body from the beach.

There has been much speculation around this tragedy. Social media bandits have been posing theories around what looks like a very suspicious set of circumstances.

Conspiracy Theories

According to The Herald on Monday, “Conspiracy theories, tens of thousands of rand stashed away in a cottage, a mysterious suitcase of documents that an attorney was supposed to fetch and the purchase a month ago of two weight belts. These are some of the elements that have emerged after a strange drowning incident off a beach on the south side of Jeffreys Bay on Friday.”

ends.

 

See more: brown pig swimming with a friend – photo of the day.

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