At the council meeting held Wednesday, 28 October 2015, the Overstrand municipality was afforded an opportunity to get first-hand information from the minister of finance Dr Ivan Meyer on amongst other Overstrand’s allocation from Provincial Government for the 2015/16 financial year.
Minister Meyer’s presentation focused on:
- Preparation for the Provincial adjustments budget;
- Preparation for the Provincial 2016/17 MTREF Budget;
- Strengthen the partnership with the Overstrand Municipality; and
- To prepare the Municipality for Fiscal Outlook: SA
In his presentation he mentioned very important budget policy principles which are the following: Constitutionalism, Evidence Based, Public Value, Rule of Law, Partnerships, Game changers, Whole-of-society approach, Citizen Centric and Provincial Strategic Plans and Goals.
Dr Meyer eluded that his visit is aimed at “Taking the Budget to the People” and he also congratulated Overstrand on the following:
- its 2nd consecutive clean audit report
- Reward sound financial governance
- For being the fastest growing municipality in the Overberg District – 3rd fastest in the Province for the period 2005 – 2013
- Investing in Infrastructure: An opportunity for employment creation
- Continue to provide basic services to All
Considering the current fiscal outlook for the country, Minister Meyer concluded with the following remarks:
- Tough fiscal environment therefore need fiscal consolidation over the next three years
- Innovative ways required to create Public Value
- Game Changers to enhance growth, job creation & skills development – agri-processing, tourism (destination marketing), alternative energy (green economy) + possibilities locked up within broadband
- Niche opportunities – harbour developments, marine centre in Kleinbaai, fish farming, abalone production, potential power station
- Doing more, with less – Implementation of cost containment measures as per National Treasury guidelines, circulars and instructions.
