The FF Plus is concerned about the fact that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council (NMBM) has not yet approved a 2022/23 budget, while the deadline for the implementation of the budget, namely 1 July, is fast approaching.
Thus far, the office of the Mayor, Eugene Johnson, has not tabled a budget and the Metro Council has not been provided with any reasons for the delay.
In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the budget should have been tabled no later than 31 May.
If the budget is not adopted before the first day of the new financial year (1 July 2022), the council must be dissolved by the provincial government. Then the council will have to be re-elected.
Furthermore, in terms of Section 160(3)(b) of the Constitution, a majority of councillors must approve a budget, but that is not likely to happen in NMBM.
The FF Plus sent a letter to the Mayor asking her to urgently address these issues and reminding her of her duties as the Metro's first citizen.
Failing to approve a budget for the next financial year could have detrimental consequences for service delivery, especially at a time when the Metro is facing the possibility of a serious water crisis.
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