By Aphiwe Mgoqi
Following the adoption of the Integrated Development Budget (IDP) for 2024/25 of uMngeni Municipality in Howick has angered the residents of marginalised communities, who believe other needs have taken priority over their most pressing needs.
Residents from needy communities in Howick, such as Mevana, Sphumelele and Shiyabazali, said they are not satisfied with the allocation of funds for the new financial year. They feel that the Budget has overlooked the lack of basic services in their neighbourhoods.
Mevana resident Thandeka Hlatshwayo said the budget seems to favour those who live in developed neighbourhoods.
“The municipality knows that we don’t pay rates in Mevana. The rate increment befits those it is intended for because it is for their benefit as the upper class of Howick. I don’t understand why so much money is channeled towards road works and municipal cars. A part of the money could be used to build RDP houses for those in informal settlements like Shiyabazali, as they face the issue of their shacks burning down,” she said.
Hlatshwayo added that another concern is that it is centred on big, not small issues that hinder the development of the areas.
Shiyabazali resident Sizakele Ndlovu shared Hlatshwayo’s sentiments. “We don’t have a reliable source of water. We have to go wash our clothes at Howick Falls, which is very dangerous. There are no signs of development when it comes to sanitation, waste and roads in Shiyabazali, yet there is always a new budget that is (adopted).
“I always listen to the Budget speech, but I don’t have much to say about it except that this year I hope we also get some help from it like those in the suburbs,” she said.
Mevana resident Nqobile Mtolo said because the leaders are disconnected from the reality they must deal with every day, that is the budget will always be insufficient.
“My only concern each year is that the Budget is drawn up by people who don’t know the way of life in our communities. That is why it has the same pattern each year, which is that there are no specific funds that are solely for the development of informal settlements, rural areas and townships. The government doesn’t see how underdeveloped these communities are.”
However, the municipality’s IDP manager, Sandile Makhaye, countered that this year’s Budget shows several improvements compared to previous ones.
“Our focus as a municipality is economic development and environmental initiatives. By focusing on job creation and supporting small businesses through various programmes, the budget aims to stimulate local economic growth, which is critical for reducing unemployment and enhancing community resilience.”
He added that no community will be left behind in the development of the region. “Overall, the new Budget and IDP reflect an approach to address the diverse needs of the uMngeni community, including marginalised groups, by focusing on infrastructure, safety, social support and environmental sustainability. These efforts are expected to build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous community in the long run.”
