CENSUS SHOWS NEED FOR MORE GAUTENG FUNDS

National Treasury needs to increase funds to Gauteng because of the leap in Gauteng's population as revealed in the latest census.

Gauteng's population has grown by 3.4 million people in the last ten years to stand at 12.3 million, the largest in South Africa. It has gone from 18.8% of the total population to 24.3 percent.

The number of households in Gauteng has also jumped from 2.7 million to 3.9 million, a growth of 43 percent. This compares to a national growth in households from 11.2 million in 2001 to just over 14.4 million last year, a 29 percent increase.

Migration from other provinces is putting a strain on Gauteng which is presently not getting its fair share of resources because its population growth has been underestimated.

Gauteng hospitals and schools are short of resources to deal with the rapidly growing population.

There is an urgent need to revise the formula for allocation of funds so that Gauteng gets its fair share.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, October 30 2012

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