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.
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