Port Louis Council in financial blackhole, dysfunctional services ahead

The City Council of Port Louis is in dire financial situation, which could seriously impact its services to citizens.

According to reports, the Council’s latest financial report divulges considerable drop in revenues.

It generated only around Rs89million (from permits, rents and other services) when it requires over Rs120million.

Reporting on the council’s finances, Defi Media cited the report as claiming that persistent deficits and budgetary cuts over the last decade have reduced its room for action – in terms of services and services.

Now, questions are being asked on how service delivery will be financed. 

“Being given the requirements with respect to service delivery are expected to increase in the future, there is a significant question as how these services will be financed – both in terms of investment and operations,” the report read.

With the Council now being in the negative, its services could become more dysfunctional. “The gap between revenues and expenses will lead to a “reduction in services, while the quality of certain services could also be affected.”

Other difficulties reportedly highlighted in the report are “inadequate infrastructure, an increase in the cost of operations and an urgent need to invest more in equipment.”