While the new administration is still getting its feet on the ground, Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) is aware of the importance to prioritise water, sanitation, refurbishment of old roads and storm water infrastructure, and housing.

This was Executive Mayor Tyrone Gray’s response to issues raised by communities during the first leg of the Mayoral Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings.

Thus far the mayor, accompanied by Members of the Mayoral Committee has engaged with residents of Azaadville, Kagiso, Munsieville, Magaliesburg, Hekpoort, Tarlton and Swaneville to present the city’s budget, current challenges and future.

Also read: Have your say at next week’s IDP roadshow starting May 3

Topping the list of challenges raised by communities during the community meetings were high crime levels, cable theft, poverty, and joblessness.

“The mayor acknowledged these concerns and encouraged communities to participate in community-based meetings so that they can hold public representatives to account,” said MCLM Head: Corporate Communications, Adrian Amod.

For the benefit of community members and diverse business sectors, the IDP is a legislative super plan for a municipality, and it gives an overall framework for development of areas sitting in that municipality. It aims to coordinate the work of local and other spheres of government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life for all the people living in an area.

“As such (being a legislative framework), it considers the existing economic and social conditions and problems, and resources available for development of the municipal communities. Considering the significance of the IDP process and the critical role residents and business plays, their participation in the process is thus critical. Consequently, the Municipality therefore encourages all its diverse communities to partake in the public engagements.”

The schedule is available on their website.

The public is also encouraged to partake in a separate virtual IDP engagement with the Executive Mayor from 10:00 on Friday, May 13.

Click here [Join conversation (microsoft.com] to join the meeting

For more information on the Municipal IDP/ Budget processes contact Mogale City’s IDP Office on 011 668 0604 or visit www.mogalecity.gov.za.