Western Cape budget for 2015/2016 at R52 billion

Loyiso Langeni

05 March 2015

Western Cape MEC of Finance Dr Ivan Meyer today presented the provincial budget worth R52 billion for the 2015/2016 financial year.

A large chunk of the budget went to the education and health sector with education receiving R17.7 billion and a total of R18.8 billion allocated to health services in the province. MEC Meyer allocated R1.8 billion to provide services for the poor.

He said that the budget will provide vulnerable and those with special needs through Social Development Services.

“Impoving the quality of child care and protection services, care for older persons, substance abuse interventions, and services to person with disabilities, victim support and shelters for homeless adults, probation services and diversion programmes will be prioritised over the next three years.” Meyer added.

Meanwhile MEC Meyer said the budget had to be balanced while managing and maintain fiscal stability in a weak economic environment.

The provincial government says economic growth remains its number one priority.

MEC Meyer said in the drive toward developing skills they will enhance regional competitiveness, the WCG will allocate R51.29 million for the 2015/16 Financial year and R55.38 million for 2016/17and R55.59 million in 2017/18 to address skills development initiatives. 

MEC Meyer added that the budget is a response to the calls of people for jobs and improved services.

Lastly the provincial government has allocated R17.3 billion to be invested in infrastructure project.

MEC Meyer said the budget lays the foundation for citizens to engage and access opportunities created by the provincial government.

He emphasised that the overarching goal of government is to achieve public value which involves grater effectiveness in tackling the problems that are most important to the citizens.

“Taking this citizen centric approach facilitates citizen’s access to government, improving consultation and providing a people centred approach to service delivery.” Meyer added.