IDP: A time to have your say
10-04-2015
Do you have a bone to pick with your municipality over a tariff-related issue? Do you perhaps have a game-changing or ground-breaking idea that could contribute to the sustainable transformation of your neighbourhood in particular or the city in general?
Whatever it is that is on your mind, this is the time to have your say.
In line with the Municipal Systems Act, the City of Johannesburg has lined up a total of 23 imbizos over the next few weeks – starting tomorrow, Saturday April 11 – during which residents, customers and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in an Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process to help shape the city’s short-, medium- and long-term future.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau says by its very nature, the IDP process demonstrates the City’s ability and determination to go back to basics and reconnect with the citizenry.
He says integrated development requires the involvement of the broader public to ensure a consented approach to development and service provision.
“We call on all residents and other stakeholders to actively participate in the process to enable Johannesburg to make their voices heard,” says the Executive Mayor.
Issues expected to come under discussion during the various IDP imbizos throughout the City’s seven regions include spatial planning, disaster management, finances, performance targets and economic development.
Residents will in particular have the opportunity to comment on the draft 2015-2016 Medium-Term Budget and Integrated Development Plan tabled at a council meeting on March 25.
Included in the document are the City’s 2015-2016 proposals on tariffs for essential services such as water, electricity and refuse removal, as well as draft property rates and taxes.
The public consultation process will culminate in a stakeholder summit on April 25, at a venue still to be announced, during which submissions and proposals from the various cluster meetings will be communicated, discussed and, where applicable, incorporated into the final IDP document.
The first two IDP engagement sessions are scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday April 11. One will be held at the East Bank Hall in Alexandra (Region E), and the other at the Diepkloof Welfare Centre in Zone 1, Diepkloof, Soweto (Region D).
Comments on the draft Budget and IDP can also be submitted in writing to the City Manager. They may be emailed to Itumeleng Moagi at Itumelengmoa@joburg.org.za or mailed to City Manager, PO Box 1049, Johannesburg.
Copies of the draft Budget and IDP are obtainable from all the City’s regional offices.