Council engages with stakeholders about IDP

SECUNDA – The Govan Mbeki Municipality hosted the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) stakeholder forum on Wednesday, 18 June.

The forum aimed at giving feedback to stakeholders about the final adopted IDP.

It was adopted by Council on 30 May and thereafter was delivered to Cogta and the Gert Sibande District Municipality.

Mr Sakhile Mahlangu, MMC for Planning and Development, said IDP is as a mechanism for planning which lies at the centre of the system of developmental local government in South Africa and represents the driving force for making municipalities more strategic, inclusive and responsible and performance driven.

“The IDP follows a logical flow consisting of a distinct three phase process.

“Phase 1 is the planning phase, Phase 2 is the budgeting phase and Phase 3 is the implementation phase.

“There are essential components needed in the IDP for linkage to the budget and the IDP has to include specific development priorities.

“It has to be indicated per ward and has to contain strategic development objectives.

“It has to be accompanied by clear performance targets.”

He also said the budget has to be informed by the strategic thrust of the IDP and every amount in the budget has to be linked to a specific project.

“It is important to note that the IDP brings together various economic, social, environment, legal, infrastructure and spatial aspect of a problem or plan.

“This should take place in a way that enhances development and provides sustainable empowerment, growth and equity for the short, medium and long term.”