63% of Erongo council budget goes to salaries

The Erongo Regional Council says 63% of the new remaining budget would be allocated for the wage bill, leaving only 37% for operational activities.

This was the sum of the matter when chairperson of the council Benita Imbamba tabled the council’s budget of N$71 646 340 for the 2023/2024 financial year during the ordinary council meeting on Friday.

“Our unwavering mission is to coordinate and deliver quality and accessible services for the sustainable upliftment of the livelihood of the community, through good governance,” said Imbamba.

According to her, the council’s estimated revenue for the last financial year ended 31 March was N$48 716 240. However, it only managed to collect only N$4 337 740.

The estimated revenue for the current financial year includes Uis Settlement revenue of N$9 839 428 and a 5% assessment rate totalling N$6 million.

The council received a slight increase in government funds compared to the last year, with a total of N$48 764 241, a marginal increase of N$48 001.

She said the council aims to collect N$6,2 million as its own revenue for the current financial year.

The total estimated expenditure for 2023/2024 mirrors the budget at N$71 646 340. Notably, a large portion, about 63% or N$45 326 440, is allocated to personnel expenditure, leaving only 37% for operational activities and community projects.

Imbamba highlighted the council’s efforts in rural development, with N$1 249 461 set aside for projects such as the rural sanitation programme and cash/food for work programme.

“Some of these projects are ongoing from the previous financial year 2022/23,” she said.

The council also approved an additional N$500 000 for the “One Region One Initiative” project, aimed at constructing a 5km water pipe from the borehole to the !Nara Centre near Rooibank, which is set to be completed by the end of this month.

As part of the development budget for the 2022/2023 financial year, funds were allocated for the construction of services in multiple settlements including Omatjete, Uis, Wlotzkasbaken, Otjimbingwe and Okombahe.

“Service delivery and development will only be evident to our people if the council has sufficient funds to cater for all its activities in its entire sectors,” Imbamba said.