Finance MEC Barbara Creecy tables R103 billion Gauteng budget

Creecy emphasised that Education and Health remain the main priorities of the provincial government.

The budget for Education increased to R39.06 billion in the 2016/2017 financial year - up from R36.43 billion the previous year.

It's followed by the Department of Health that has been allocated R37.4 billion, an increase of R2.07 billion.

The Department of Economic Development has been allocated R1.3 billion as part of targeted interventions to grow the economy and reduce unemployment in Gauteng.

Creecy outlined key interventions to achieve economic growth and expand services.

"Times are tough but we have a plan to fund the implementation of Premier David Makhura's bold programme of radical transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation," she said.

When it comes to budget cuts, Creecy believed the provincial government can save more than R400 million by cutting activities that are not absolutely necessary.

This includes less spending on catering, travel and accommodation.

"Cost containment measures will be tightened in line with national guidelines. We will also ensure ongoing improvements in project management to strengthen clean government and improve financial management," Creecy said.

Infrastructure development

Creecy said R41.6 billion will be spent over the next three years to build hospitals, clinics, schools, roads and to maintain existing public property.

This as the provincial government moves to address the infrastructure needs of Gauteng residents.

The Human Settlements department has been allocated R5.2 billion in infrastructure spending - followed by Education with R3 billion, Roads and Transport with R2.3 billion and Health with R1.9 billion.

"We are conscious of the role that infrastructure delivery plays in the facilitation of the flow of goods; information and factors of production between buyers and sellers. We believe that this is our source of fiscal stimulus, with the twin objectives of creating jobs and improving economic performance and also to ensure better living conditions for our people," Creecy said.

Urbanisation

Creecy confirmed that of Gauteng's 13.2 million residents, 2 million were unemployed.

According to the MEC, youthful urbanisation was a reality.

"70 percent of Gauteng's population is below the age of 40. According to the United Nations, 64.3 percent of South Africa's populations lives in cities. Gauteng is the centre of urbanisation. It remains the province of choice and our cities remain the engine of economic growth," she said.

Reporting by Maryke Vermaak

Edited by Faith Daniels