THERE was unprecedented attendance on Friday evening at the City of uMhlathuze’s presentation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
Councillors and committee members of Wards 1,2,3,4 and 26 were invited to the consultative meeting in preparation for the public meeting to be held on 26 September.
The IDP is the driver of local government, guiding all planning, management and development, including that of the private sector.
At Friday’s meeting, Speaker Vuseni Mnqayi, Mayor Elphas Mbatha and City IDP Manager Zodwa Mdluli stressed the need for communities to make input to the five-year IDP, which in turn informs the budget.
‘You are in a unique situation in that you are members of the community but must also represent the community,’ Mbatha told those present.
‘We as the City must serve the residents by addressing all needs captured by the IDP, which we use to update the budget as priorities emerge.’
Mnmqayi also urged ward committee members to assist in mobilising people to register for next year’s elections, with special voter registration days announced nationally for 9-10 November.
