Enthusiasm, constructive criticism, robust engagement and clear direction by the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay have characterised the IDP and Budget Public participation meetings that are currently being hosted by the Municipality in different wards across the City.
The IDP and Public Participation meetings started on Monday, May 9 and will end on May 17, 2016. The key objective of these meetings is planning and budgeting for the Integrated Development of the City over the next five years. This can only be achieved through consulting with and the involvement of communities in their own development. These meetings also serve to validate key Ward priorities for the next five years.
All this is done in line with Chapter 4, Section 16 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act. When the meetings are finished, all contributions are captured into a document that will integrate development and place communities at the centre of municipal governance and their own development.
Right from the first meetings held on Monday, discussions have been robust, with communities not shying away from reprimanding the Municipality about omissions in service delivery. Core service delivery issues raised at all the meetings held thus far have centered on waste management, fixing of street lights, potholes and water leaks, management of the billing system and housing delivery.
The communities have expressed appreciation for what they called a change of attitude by the Municipality, in focusing on and reaching out to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, reiterating the Municipality’s belief that continuous interaction between government and the people is key in fast-tracking people orientated service delivery.
Successful meetings have already been held at City Hall and in Newton Park, Malabar, Gelvandale, KwaNoxolo and West End, while the organised business sector and ratepayers associations were hosted a special meeting in City Hall on Monday.
The ratepayers and organised business session, too, was characterised by positive discussions, and the Municipality received valuable input on how to improve its spatial planning and infrastructure development and create an environment conducive to economic growth.
Addressing that meeting, Nelson Mandela Bay’s Executive Mayor, Dr Danny Jordaan, confirmed the commitment of the Municipality and the political leadership to work hand in hand with the local business sector on the areas raised at the meeting. He emphasised that economic development and job creation were key priorities of the Municipality. “It is only when we work together as a team with business that we can improve the economy of the City and create the much-needed jobs. The future of our City is bright: there are many opportunities to be explored. We need to diversify our economy; for example, oceans and township economies are areas on which we now need to focus,” said Executive Mayor Jordaan.
In a meeting at the George Botha Community Hall in KwaNoxolo yesterday (Tuesday) evening, discussions focused on housing delivery and primary health care and sports facilities. Residents also emphasised the need for all spheres of government to adopt an integrated approach to service delivery and development.
NMB Communications
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