THE public have until 2 May to comment on eThekwini Municipality’s draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2016/17 financial year.
The IDP, a requirement of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, is a crucial driver for development in all municipalities. The document guides and informs all planning, budgeting, management and decision-making related to delivering services and development in the municipal area.
eThekwini Municipality’s spokesman, Thulani Mbatha, said the strategic approach of the IDP is underpinned by the City’s long term development plan and is also informed by global, national and provincial policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals, National Development Plan and Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
“The IDP consists of eight plans that will help the City achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s most caring and livable City. Each plan has a set of deliverables which informs the City’s budget and by which the City’s performance is monitored,” he said.
The plans include, developing and sustaining our spatial, natural and built environment, developing a prosperous, diverse economy and employment creation, creating a quality living environment, fostering a socially equitable environment, creating a platform for growth, empowerment and skills development, embracing our cultural diversity, arts and heritage, fostering good governance and responsive local government, and creating a financially accountable and sustainable city.
The Draft IDP is available on the Municipality’s website at www.durban.gov.za and will also be placed in Municipal Libraries and Sizakala Centres. Stakeholders are requested to provide written comments on the Draft IDP. Comments can be sent to Puven Akkiah, Corporate Policy Unit, 11nd Floor, Nedbank Building, 458 Smith Street, Durban or email Puvendra.Akkiah@durban.gov.za.
