On 10 April 2024, the City of Johannesburg Speaker Council Cllr Margaret Arnolds hosted a productive Integrated Development Plan (IDP) session at Dannie van Zyl Hall in Region B. The session drew participation from key members of the City’s leadership, including Councillors Dada Morero (Finance), Anthea Leitch (Human Settlements), and Loyiso Masuku (Group Corporate and Shared Services).
In her open and welcoming remarks, the Speaker emphasized the importance of the IDP and for residents to participate in the process.
Cllr Masuku took the lead in presenting the draft IDP and budget for the 2024/2025 financial year, inviting community members to provide critical input and opinions on the proposed plans. Dubbed “the people’s plan,” the IDP aims to be a pro-poor strategy, focusing on including the most marginalised groups within the community.
Addressing the session, MMC Masuku highlighted the challenging backdrop against which the 2024/2025 IDP budget is set, including increased unemployment, a sluggish economy, rising non-payment of municipal bills, and a growing reliance on social grants. Despite these challenges, the plan for Region B includes significant investment in essential infrastructure, with a substantial portion of the budget allocated to replacing and upgrading water systems and maintaining the power grid, totalling R198,458,232.
The Region B IDP session was met with enthusiastic participation from community members, who were vocal about their needs and concerns. Key issues raised included the need for enhanced police visibility to tackle crime, improvements in the municipality’s maintenance work, better access to city facilities like community halls, and solutions to ongoing electricity and water challenges.
Ishmael Van Wyk, a resident of Ward 68 in Riverlea, expressed optimism about the city’s engagement with communities, stating, “The City of Joburg needs to work closely with communities to ensure that the IDP is a success. But personally, I am happy with the progress.”
Community members who were unable to provide their contributions during the session have until 22 April 2024 to submit their written responses. This open and inclusive approach underscores Johannesburg’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and responsive urban development process, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and considered in shaping the city’s future.
For those interested in learning more about the Integrated Development Plan or wishing to submit their feedback, further details are available on the City of Johannesburg’s official website.
12/04/2024