MEC Jacob Mamabolo delivers his 2024/25 budget vote speech
By: Nqobile Sithole
The MEC for Department of infrastructure Development (DID) & Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Jacob Mamabolo delivered the 2024/25 financial year Budget Vote for DID. The purpose of the Budget vote is to highlight key progress, achievement, projected plans for the years 2024/25 financial year and how the allocated funds are to be utilized during this period. The budget vote took place at Gauteng Legislature, yesterday. 
The Department has been allocated a budget of R 3,221 billion of which a total of R 2,499 billion is allocated to the Public Works programme. R 446 million is allocated to the Administration programme and R 275 million will fund our Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Departmental expenditure is driven by rates and taxes, compensation of employees, leasing of office accommodation, infrastructure projects, EPWP stipends, legal costs and security services which are classified as cost drivers. 
He stated that the rest of the budget is assigned to other operating costs including soft services, provision of trade tools, ICT systems, and G- Cars. R961.5 million is allocated for payment of rates and taxes to the municipalities. R 169.9 million has been budgeted for infrastructure renovation and public property maintenance.
R200 million has been put aside for leasing office space and R144 million for asset protection. R194 million is provided to poverty assistance through the short-term employment EPWP activities, which are carried out through the National Youth Service (NYS) programme, Vacant Land, and health maintenance projects. 
"Our focus to getting the basics right, employing smart technologies, and encouraging cooperation will ensure that we deliver on our commitments, improve service delivery, and positively impact the lives of Gauteng citizens". Said MEC.