Bitou Local Municipality: Overview | Western Cape Government

Bitou Local Municipality: Overview

The Bitou Local Municipality covers the greater Plettenberg Bay area.

Local municipal powers 

Local municipalities are mandated to:

  • Pass by-laws (local laws and regulations) about any of the functions they are responsible for. By-laws may not go against any national laws.
  • Approve budgets and development plans. Every year, a municipal budget must be passed that sets down how money will be raised and spent. The municipality must also approve the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
  • Impose rates and other taxes; for example, property tax.
  • Charge service fees for using municipal services like water, electricity and libraries.
  • Impose fines for people who break municipal by-laws; for example, traffic fines or fines for littering.
  • Borrow money. The council can take out a loan for a development or other project and is permitted to use municipal assets as surety.

Local municipal functions

The Constitution confers the following areas of responsibility on local municipalities:

  • Electricity delivery
  • Water for household use
  • Sewerage and sanitation
  • Storm water systems
  • Refuse removal
  • Firefighting services
  • Municipal health services
  • Decisions around land use
  • Local roads
  • Local public transport
  • Street trading
  • Abattoirs and fresh food markets
  • Parks and recreational areas
  • Libraries and other community facilities
  • Local tourism

WEBSITE: www.bitou.gov.za/

The content on this page was last updated on 20 April 2017