5 May 2004

By Chandrea Gerber

THE Mogale City Local Municipality has invited interested parties to submit comments on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2004/2005.

Every municipality in South Africa is required to produce an IDP, in which the city's future is mapped over the short, medium and long term. Issues that are considered include spatial planning, disaster management, finances, performance targets and economic development.

The Municipal Systems Act of 2000 requires municipalities to draw up an IDP as a single, inclusive and strategic development plan, linking and integrating other plans. It is in the IDP that one finds the policy framework on which annual budgets are based.

Important issues include:

• The strategic objectives of the Mogale City Local Municipality
• The revised projects and programmes
• The approved budget for 2004/2005
• Applicable sector plans

Municipalities do not actually devise an IDP on their own. Consultation is mandated by the Act, and it is widespread. The right of communities to be heard, to be involved and to receive information is embedded in local government.

These plans are available at the following public libraries until 20 May:

• Main Library, City Centre
• Krugersdorp West Library
• Luipaardsvlei Library
• Lusaka Library/ Kagiso Library
• Desmond Tutu Library, Munsieville
• Magaliesburg Library

Comments can be addressed to the municipal manager at PO Box 94, Mogale City, 1739.
For more information contact Nhlanhla Mabunda on (011) 951-2115, or email nhlanhlam@mogalecity.gov.za.