Hon Deputy Speaker, the ACDP supports the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Bill. The correct implementation of this Bill will give district and metropolitan municipalities an opportunity to meet their expenditure in terms of poverty alleviation and improve on social and economic development projects.
The ACDP wants to express its concern that this income-generating Bill should not be used by local authorities on business as a soft target to satisfy their wish list but to bring into effect sustainable infrastructure supply of affordable bulk resources and long-term maintenance on such infrastructure. Creating of permanent job opportunities can be secured through sustainable income to local authorities.
With the phasing out of the regional services council and joint services board levies, this Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Bill is now a necessity in order to enhance service delivery. The ACDP supports the Bill.