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Party Raises Alarm Over R184 Million Transport Shortfall and Rising Consultant Costs in George Budget

Speech by Rosa Louw, GOOD George Municipality Councillor. Note to Editor: This speech was delivered during the George Municipality Council Meeting

The post GOOD PARTY RAISES ALARM OVER R184 MILLION TRANSPORT SHORTFALL AND RISING CONSULTANT COSTS IN GEORGE BUDGET appeared first on For Good.

GOOD Speech delivered during the George Municipality Council Meeting by Rosa Louw, GOOD George Municipality Councillor:

We, as the Good Party, wish to express our deep concern regarding the matter of the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG). We note with concern, as stated on page 1355 of the report, that the application for a roll-over of R184 million was declined. As indicated, this will have a negative impact on the project due to the shortfall, resulting in delays in implementing certain projects. However, it is unclear which specific projects are being referred to.

Mr. Speaker and Councillors, this shortfall will negatively impact our transport services, particularly for low-income communities that rely on the Go George bus service. We call on the Executive Mayor to ensure that the transport network remains up to standard and continues to serve our residents effectively.

We also wish to raise concerns about sports facilities across George, including those in rural areas and small towns. Sport plays a vital role in our communities, keeping our youth engaged and away from crime. As the saying goes, “A child in sport is a child out of court.”

This report indicates that the Sports Department received only R5.9 million, which reflects a reduction from the 2024/2025 financial year allocation. We strongly believe that additional funding must be made available in the 2026/2027 financial year to support and maintain sports infrastructure. George Municipality does have a Sport Master Plan, and we hope that this plan will be properly funded. A plan without funding is ineffective.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we must address the issue of consultants. The report shows that over R80 million has been budgeted for consultants. We must reduce our reliance on consultants and instead fill critical vacancies within the municipality. The budget must follow the mandate, and it is essential that we employ people in key positions rather than outsourcing core functions.

We, as the George Municipality, cannot be run by consultants. We need to build internal capacity and reduce unnecessary expenditure on external service providers.

Mr. Speaker, we take note of this report and look forward to the final budget of George Municipality, with the hope that these concerns will be addressed.

GOOD Healthcare Access: GOOD supports initiatives to improve access to healthcare in rural areas.

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