Maria David
TO ensure ongoing development in the town, the Helao Nafidi Town Council has presented its N$71.1 million budget for the financial year 2023/24.
The budget is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
Town Mayor Darius Shaalukeni said that the budget encompasses income and expenditure for the financial year.
Shaalukeni explained that N$5,141,360 has been allocated to capital projects with secure funding sources, while N$4,676,672.34 has been allocated from the council’s own funds for the financial year 2023/24.
He noted that provisions have been made for several capital outlays, including computers for the health department and fire section, survey machines and software for the town planning section, 600 wheel bins for the health section, a Hino Truck for the health section, parking shades for council and employee vehicles, lawn for the expo soccer field, and fences for the bus terminal and cattle pen.
“The total capital outlay of N$4,676,673.34 will be funded from our own operating income,” he said.
Shaalukeni added that the total operating budget for 2023/24 amounts to N$71.1 million.
He also mentioned that a provision has been made for a 5% salary increase across the board, in line with a ministerial directive. Personnel costs make up 34% of the total operating budget, with overtime accounting for less than 2.5% of the total personnel cost.
Furthermore, Shaalukeni said that tariff rates will remain unchanged for the financial year 2023/24.
He also confirmed that the council has no outstanding accounts with either NamWater or Nored.
