![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2016/03/tau1_88855.jpg)
Residents will have three opportunities to shape the immediate future of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) by participating in public meetings regarding the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2016-2021 this April.
CoJ recently approved its draft for public consultation, which will take place in 17 communities over a three-week period, from Saturday 2 April to Thursday 21 April. Input from community engagements will culminate in a broader stakeholder summit planned for Saturday 23 April.
The draft plan outlines how CoJ will spend an allocated R28 billion over the next three financial years in order to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The document outlines medium-term programmes for implementation, including some which have already commenced, like the Corridors of Freedom, Jozi@Work, Vulindlel’eJozi and the Blue-Green Economy. These programmes are designed to address spatial injustices, structural inequalities and the persistence of youth unemployment in the city. Jozi@Work and the Green-Blue Economy are in place to enhance the city’s informal economy through supporting small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurs.
Executive Mayor, councillor Parks Tau, calls upon residents to actively participate in developing the draft.
“Residents should make use of all communication platforms, including the public meetings scheduled, social media, hand-delivered letters, emails and telephone calls to give input into the development and advancement of our city,” he was quoted saying during the announcement.
“The draft is a people’s plan and should thus be owned by the people.”
The draft was informed by and is anchored in the implementation of the National Development Plan 2030, as well as the Gauteng Transformation, Modernisation and Reindustrialisation Programme and the Johannesburg Growth and Development Strategy 2040 (also known as GDS 2040).
The draft 2016-2021 can be found on CoJ’s website at www.joburg.org.za [LINK: https://joburg.org.za/images/stories/2016/March/PDF/2016-21%20IDP%20%20for%20public%20consultation%20(18%20March).pdf]
Written comments may be submitted to the IDP office located within the City Manager’s office, via email to either IDP programme manager Angelique Matainz at AngeliqueM@joburg.org.za or IDP specialist Sipho Madi at SiphoMad@joburg.org.za.
Public meetings in Roodepoort are set to take place between 13 and 15 April at the following venues:
• Wednesday 13 April: Wards 44, 49, 50, 128 and 129 welcome to comment at Bramfischerville Multi-Purpose Centre in Loerieblaar Street, Bramfischerville from 5pm til 8pm.
• Thursday 14 April: Wards 89, 97 and 126 welcome to comment at Ruimsig Athletic Stadium in Fairway Street, Roodepoort from 5pm til 8pm.
• Friday 15 April: Wards 70, 71, 83, 84, 85 and 127 welcome to comment at Roodepoort City Hall in Berlandina Street, Roodepoort from 5pm til 8pm.
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