Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality IDP and Budget Public Participation meetings are in full swing across different wards within Nelson Mandela Bay.
Residents of Ward 24, 26 and 27 braved the cold and wet weather and took the opportunity given to orally submit their Ward development wishes at one of the meetings held in Soweto on Sea Multi Purpose Centre on Wednesday.
Following the noting of the budget in Council last month, the Municipality is mandated by law to hold public participation meetings that will give the public and stakeholders an opportunity to submit their contributions about the development off their wards.
Speaking to the residents, Mayoral Committee Member for Budget and Treasury, Buyelwa Mafaya said it was critical that the meetings be well attended so that the finalised IDP can reflect the will of the people.
Cllr Mafaya said the IDP and Budget process happens at the time when the country is facing tough economic times.
“We continue to receive less from the grant funding due to tough economic times. The contributions made must be understood that we cannot deliver on them at the same time. It becomes critical that we prioritise,” said Cllr Mafaya.
Cllr Mafaya also called for those who can afford to pay for services to diligently do so.
“In as much as we get Grant’s, we need ratepayers to pay so that we can do more and deliver quality services. We do understand those who receive the Assistance to the Poor (ATTP), but those who are suppose to pay, must pay,” said Cllr Mafaya.
IDP and Budget Public Participation meetings started this week on Monday. Successful meetings have been held in the following Wards; 14;15;16;45;46;47;48;49;50;51,52 and 53.
In all the meetings residents have expressed their impatience on what they called the slow pace of service delivery.
They also expressed their concern at the poor funding of Municipalities by the national government. They also acknowledged the service delivery work that has been done in their ward.
“We do appreciate the resurfacing of roads and speed calming measures. Our areas are safer and access for emergency services is much easier,” said Ward 24 resident Nokuzola Sotashe.
Ward 24 resident Nokuzola Mantile has called for the metro to intervene in making their communities safe for emergency services vehicles and personnel.
“The situation of crime against the emergency services personnel has reached a crisis stage, we need an urgent intervention,” said Mantile.
Ward 26 Noloyiso Dick commended the efforts that the metro is making to keep the communities clean.
“We appreciate the efforts that are done through EPWP, they not only make a difference to clean, they are also going as long way in alleviating poverty,” said Dick.
The meetings will continue until the end of next week. Information about the meetings is published through the metro social media pages, local newspapers, through Ward Councillor offices and local radio stations. Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings for the enhancement of their Ward development plans.
NMB Communications
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