Councillors in the North West District have raised concerns over proposed budget for the 2027/2028 financial year noting that despite the slight allocation increase, the budget is far too low to meet the needs of the district.
The 2027/2028 Proposed Recurrent Budget Estimates for North West District Council amount to P384 924 640.00 which comprise of P376 558 110.00 being estimated proposed Revenue Support Grant (RSG) and P8 366 530.00 of income from own source.
According to NWDC Finance and Investment Committee chairperson, Councillor Baoketsi Diare, the overall proposed budget for North West District Council has increased by P78 119 260.00 (25%) from P306 805 380.00.
Proposed Revenue Support Grant shows an increase of P78 080 620.00 (26%) from 2026/2027 financial year of P298 477 490.00.
Income from own source shows an increase of P38, 640.00 from 2026/27 financial year of P8, 327, 890.00 which is attributed mainly to increase in insurance commission.
Responding to the proposal, councillors decried that despite the increase, the budget remains inadequate to cover required funds needed for basic service delivery and infrastructure maintenance, among other crucial necessities.
Tsau/Semboyo/Makakung councillor, Gaapale Makudinyane warned of the possibilities of the already limited budget being further slashed leaving the district with severe shortfalls. He therefore recommended for higher budget so that the reduction may not result in serious inconveniences. He also urged for allocations to be focused on the district priorities such as health and road infrastructures.
Furthermore, Makudinyane complained that despite the inadequate budget, there is always delays in disbursing funds to councils which are usually not paid in full, causing severe financial deficits, halted community projects, and delayed personnel payments.
Somelo/Haina Veld Farms councillor, Moetetsi Mogalakwe also questioned whether the proposed budget is adequate enough to address the healthcare challenges faced by the district including shortage of ambulances. He also complained that the budget proposed for road infrastructure is inadequate and will leave roads remaining in a bad state.
Acting Council Chairperson, Vepaune Moreti clarified that while he agrees with the concerns raised by the councillors, they must however understand that it is the central government which determines expenditure ceilings for local councils.
Earlier on, the Finance and Investment Committee chairperson indicated that the overall proposed budget increase is mainly because during the current financial year (2026/27) votes for other essential services were not adequately budgeted for due to budgetary constraints.
These includes, relief of destitute persons, school books and stationery, fuel and lubricants, maintenance of vehicles, maintenance of grounds, buildings and lighting, gas and water.
Meanwhile, the largest share of the budget which amounts to P165 491 040.00 (68.6%) goes to Personnel Emoluments which provides for employees’ salaries, members’ allowances, allowances (doctors, nurses, private practice etc.), transfer allowance, pension, overtime and scarce skill allowance.
Special Expenses vote which provides for Relief of Destitute Persons, food and accommodation, school stationery has the second largest share of the budget at P97 492 430.00 which accounts for 19%.
The third largest share of P54 259 790.00 (7.2%) of the budget goes to Running Expenses which has increased by P31 583 010.00 (56.3%) from P22 676 780.00 in 2026/2027 financial year approved budget.
According to Diare, this vote caters for maintenance of grounds and buildings, fuel and lubricants, lighting, gas and water to mention but a few.
The remaining balance of the budget which amounts to P24 268 130.00 (5%) goes to Establishment Expenses. This vote has increased by P8 893 000.00 (57.8%) from P15 375 130.00 approved budget in 2026/2027 financial year.
For departmental allocations, the chairperson concluded that, “the top four departments with the largest share of the budget are Clinics, Social and Community Development, Legal Services and Civil & Mechanical with P111 380 850.00 (27%), P62 660 000 (15%), P35 024 410 (11%) and P33 532 200.00 (8%) respectively.”
