OUDTSHOORN – The MEC for the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela has commended Oudtshoorn Municipality for registering a Social Housing project - the first in the Western Cape outside the Cape Metro, this was during his courtesy visit to Oudtshoorn on Tuesday, 21 May 2013.

MEC Madikizela has furthermore assured that the project will get approval from his office as it forms part of the Department’s priorities. Mr Madikizela commented on the report the Oudtshoorn Municipality tabled before him in a meeting attended by the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council municipal management and officials from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlement.

MEC Madikizela who was welcomed by the Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Aldm Gordon April told the meeting that part of his visit not only to Oudtshoorn but to all other Municipalities was also aimed at finding out challenges facing the Municipalities regarding Human Settlements related projects and how such challenges were addressed more particularly spending commitments of housing funds.

OUDTSHOORN - The Oudtshoorn Municipality held a string of public meetings between 15 March and 22 April 2013 presenting the draft budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2013-14 financial year to all wards.

Council approved the draft budget and IDP on 27 March 2013. Residents from all 13 wards in the greater Oudtshoorn were told during the meeting that Council has approved a budget of R 50.9 Million in its draft capital expenditure. Infrastructure assets will be allocated just over R 37M of the capital expenditure, R 12,5M goes to community assets and the remaining R 1,05M will be set aside for other assets/equipment.

A big portion of the Capital budget, R 47.4M comes from government grants and subsidies, R 2.5M is a rollover from the previous loan made by the Municipality while R 1.05M come from municipal coffers.

As the Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, I would like to welcome all participants and visitors who will be attending the “President’s Trophy Air Race”.
 
We are proud that Oudtshoorn has been chosen to host an event such a high magnitude. This occasion blends well with the town’s long-term strategy, known as the “Greater Oudtshoorn Vision 2030”, which positions the greater Oudtshoorn as an ideal town to work, learn, play and prosper in.
 
We trust that our visitors will enjoy their stay and the hospitality that Oudtshoorn is renowned for.