This week’s question was:
How can we, as residents, get involved with next year’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget? Are there certain ways we can submit suggestions, as individuals, or would it be better if we submit something as a street, suburb or entire ward?
Nicholas Lorimer, ward 88 councillor answered:
The first thing to remember about the IDP process is that it is about the capital budget not the operating expenses budget.
As such it’s about new things, upgrading parks or buildings. A new one, for example, would fall under the capital budget. It is not about day to day issues such as potholes or street lights. To engage with it successfully make sure your requests are not sidetracked by these issues.
You can take part in the process by attending the meetings which are held several times a year and by studying the IDP document.
When making submissions, the level at which you do so, be it a suburb, an individual or at a ward level depends on the project being asked for and the particulars of the community. Residents associations are good organizations to collect submissions and strategize on behalf of the larger community. You can also approach your ward councillor for advice and guidance.
Submissions should be detailed and focused so that the City has a very good idea of what you are asking for.
Submissions are made at the IDP meetings themselves where residents can fill in forms or give in their own submissions to the City officials from ward governance for capturing.
Do you have a question for a ward councillor?
Councillor’s Corner is a platform for you, our readers, to voice your concerns or questions for ward councillors to respond to.
Different, willing, ward councillors will respond to a question each week.
Email your burning question to aimeed@caxton.co.za and let’s get the ball rolling.
Read: Getting involved in the IDP
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