A R465 million investment in water and sanitation services alone forms part of Drakenstein Municipality’s R4,4 billion budget for the 2025-’26 financial term tabled yesterday (Wednesday 28 May).
The budget – the municipality’s largest to date – comprises a R3,7 billion operating budget and a R714 million capital budget.
The new approved tariffs are as follows: water (7,7%), refuse removal and sanitation (5,9%), electricity (10,32%) and property capped at (12,5%).
Executive Mayor Stephen Korabie affirmed that the municipality’s main objective is to deliver “excellent and affordable services” to all residents.
LOCAL ECONOMY AND JOB CREATION
He said in the upcoming year the municipality will commit to create job opportunities fairly and transparently.
“In this regard the EPWP Policy and Procedures ensure that recruitment, selection and contract administration are correctly implemented.
“The budget allocation for EPWP for the 2025-’26 financial year makes provision for approximately 461 job opportunities at an estimated cost of R21,6 million.
“The National Department of Transport and Public Works’ EPWP Grant contributes R3,3 million, while Drakenstein Municipality contributes R18,3 million.”
Korabie said the programme will primarily focus on projects such as solid waste, refuse removal and cleaning projects, which include refuse machine handler training.
It will also focus on public open areas and road verges are well maintained community facilities and services such as cemeteries, resorts, parks, sports fields, grass cutting and public-safety projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Mayor highlighted that the maintenance and upgrading of roads and stormwater infrastructure remains a key focus area, and they have allocated R51,7 million for the 2025-’26 financial year.
An additional R21 million was allocated for the rebuilding of Drommedaris Road, which commenced in the 2024-’25 financial year.
A R17,8 million was allocated for resealing of roads accross the municipality, R1.7 million for the upgrading of Lady Grey and surrounding areas, R6 million for the refurbishing of stormwater systems and R3,4 million for the upgrading of traffic lights, traffic calming measures, tarring of pavements, bus shelters, closing of walkways and machinery and equipment.
Korabie said one of the basic services the municipality is obligated to provide is clean drinking water and sanitation.
He said a total of R465 million was budgeted for these services, which includes the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Paarl Wastewater Treatment Works, at R426 million, the rehabilitation and extension of Wellington Wastewater Treatment Works at R3,9 million and Simondium Bulk Services at R20 million.
A total of R19,5 million was allocated for the replacement of water networks, R2 million for the upgrade and replacement of basic services, R2,9 million for the replacement of equipment for Water and Sanitation Services and R5,1 million for replacement of sewage networks.
HOUSING
Korabie argued that the national government’s mandate is to provide housing opportunities to all South Africans.
“Their inability to fulfil this mandate has forced Drakenstein Municipality to focus on the management of urbanisation, to manage the growing demand and the need for adequate housing opportunities in our municipality. We have listened to our residents and are re-organising our approach, resources, and focus.
“Drakenstein’s urbanisation and human-settlement challenges are enormous. The number of backyard dwellers is rising, not only on private premises but also at our rental stock units.
“I know this will take time, and additional resources, but it is an important process that needs to happen.”
A grant allocation of R30,7 million has been awarded to the municipality by the national governement for the 2025-’26 financial year for housing purposes.
“The bulk of the funds will be used to service sites at the Simondium Housing Development.
“A Council contribution of R20 million is also earmarked for spending on this housing project.”
Through the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant an amount of R12,7 million was allocated to Drakenstein Municipality for improvements in Lover’s Lane and other informal settlements.
The maintenance of aged municipal rental stock is high on the priority list.
R5 million has been provided for the maintenance of rental stock and to rectify structural defects.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Korabie highlighted that Drakenstein Municipality has made remarkable progress in enhancing safety, creating a more inviting environment for investment that benefits our community.
He said the Public Safety Department has collaborated with key stakeholders such as the South African Police Service, Community Policing Forum, neighbourhood watches and private security firms to create a sustainable and significant impact through force multiplication.
Korabie announced a R32,4 million allocation for fleet management. “The municipal fleet plays a critical role in supporting daily operations and ensuring efficient service delivery. The R32,4 million allocation is aimed at supplementing and modernising our current fleet across all departments.”
SPORT AND RECREATION
The municipality has allocated R16,7 million for the maintanance and upgrading of sports facilities, parks and cemetries.
The main capital projects include the continued upgrading of the parking area at the Dal Josaphat Athletics Stadium with and additional R2.5 million. The project commenced in the 2024-’25 financial term at at a cost of R7 million. Specific works are to be conducted at the De Kraal Sport facility at a cost of R1 million.
An additional R3 million was allocated for the new Nieuwedrift Cemetery, R1,8 million for the upgrading of swimming pools and sport facilities in Gouda and Hermon, and R7,4 million for the upgrading of facilities at Orleans Park as well as the upgrading of parks, main roads and tools of the trade.
Read Korabie’s full speech here.
