How the IDP, budget and tariffs will affect you

The draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP), budget and tariffs are out for comment. Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp has explained what this means and encouraged residents to submit inputs to the municipality.

“An Integrated Development Plan is a super plan for an area that gives an overall framework for development,” he explained. “It aims to co-ordinate 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. It should take into account the existing conditions and problems and resources available for development.”

Steenkamp said the plan should look at economic and social development for the area as a whole. This includes setting a framework for how land should be used, what infrastructure and services are needed and how the environment should be protected

The IDP is reviewed every year and necessary changes can be made. Each IDP lasts for five years. This is linked to the term of office of local councillors.

After each local government election, those in power decide whether to adopt the existing IDP or draw up a new one in consultation with forums and stakeholders. The final IDP document must be approved by council.

The proposed tariff increases for 2023/24 are:

• Rates +5.3% (plus adjustment in value of property)
• The discount of R350 000 off the residential property value has been reduced to R300 000.
• Water +9.3%
• Sewer +9.3%
• Refuse +7%
• Power +18.64%
• Changes to pensioner rebate

Budget has been allocated for capital expenditure projects, Steenkamp added. “Councillors encourage residents to continue submitting requests for the next few years based on examples like resurfacing roads, upgrading central business districts, installing new power cables, traffic calming, new bridges, fixing old bridges, river bank stabilisation, new clinics/taxi ranks, park upgrades, etc. Budgets are very limited, so you will need to keep following up over several years.”

The ward councillor urged residents to read the City of Johannesburg Draft Integrated Development Plan Review document here and the Draft Property Rates Policy here.

Residents can submit inputs in relation to these documents via an email to idpcomments2023@joburg.org.za or ratescomments2023@joburg.org.za; or on the online form available here.

Residents have until May 9 to submit inputs.