IDP meeting sparks outcry over service delivery issues and budget hikes

The annual IDP (Integrated Development Plan) meeting held on April 22 was marked by drama and intrigue.

At times, the shouting grew so loud that the speakers could barely be heard.

The meeting was officially opened by the Executive Mayor of Lesedi Local Municipality, Mluleki Nkosi. This event was part of a broader series of public meetings organised by LLM officials, aimed at encouraging community participation in the planning process.

The Heidelberg City Hall was unusually full, as many community members from wards 8, 9, and 10 were in attendance.

The IDP and previous work was first highlighted and the proposed budget for the LLM area was discussed.

Other topics included municipal rebates for pensioners and what steps need to be followed, and that the mining sector was one of the sectors contributing to growth in Lesedi. Crime is also impacting Lesedi along with the financial implications of criminal activities.

There was also discussions on proposed improvements in the LLM area that includes electricity, installing high masts, roads and stormwater, and computer hardware to name a few.

The upgrading of the libraries, taxi ranks and the sports complex in Shalimar Ridge was also discussed.

The flagship project programmes were next on the agenda – N3TC maintenance, Heidelberg Aerodrome, Vaal SEZ investment, Sanitas Township just opposite Bergsig, the cemetery, and others.

Basic services were mentioned where electricity and water took up a lot of discussion and had the attendees up in arms. They wanted answers as to what was happening and why there was no progress in this area.

The budget proposal draft was next on the agenda.

There were objections to the planned hikes in water, sewage and electricity, property taxes as well as the tariff increase for property owners.

Some community members were upset and left the meeting early. The community was, however, given the opportunity to have their say.

Bouwe Wiersma from the Heidelberg Heritage Museum spoke to the residents and IDP members regarding the longevity of heritage sites and tourism.

His plea is to ensure that the historical sites are looked after.

Thereafter various other community members voiced their concerns and frustration with Lesedi Local Municipality.

Among the complaints were:

• Administration When sending out notifications, information needs to be correct and the information must be valid.

• Tourism is taking a backseat.

• Heritage sites need to be maintained and not left to ruins. Heritage sites that include the museum are important for the longevity of Heidelberg.

• Trucks driving through the suburbs and damaging the streets. There streets are not made for heavy trucks to drive through.

• Property rates have increased between 600% and 900% for smallholdings. It is making it impossible for residents to keep up with payments when the increases are beyond the average person’s pay.

• Not following correct procedures when going through processes and taking shortcuts. Not advertising correctly or maintaining media coverage.

Attendees were getting upset at this point and shouting over the speakers. It was nearing physical altercations.

• Cost of electricity and increases. The feeling was that LLM is making it impossible for the community to operate efficiently and forcing business closures and residents to move away.

• Residents need to see results on improvements and not just promises made.

• Cleaning of various suburbs and repairing street lights. The budgets need to be there for the beautification of the town and suburbs, like potholes, streetlights, grass-cutting, water delivery, parks and recreation.

• Lack of service delivery and prioritising service delivery.

• Need a crime breakdown for all areas and not just highlighting previously disadvantaged areas.

• People moved here as it was an investment but in hindsight made the worst decision.

• All monies paid for water, lights, and sewage must be paid into a trust account and not paid directly to LLM.

• Invest in Heidelberg’s infrastructure and economic empowerment for the youth.

• Need LLM to take ownership of the issues raised and supply solutions and answers.

• LLM to develop businesses and business plans that will ensure employment for locals and not outsiders first. Unemployment needs to be prioritised.

• The proposed increases are above national increase proposals.

• Not developing areas as laid out in the IDP. Proposed upgrades are seen on paper but not in reality.

• Tax money not used where it should and disappearing out of the municipal coffers.