08-04-2013: Tell us what your needs are says the City
For the next several weeks, all of the City’s residents, business, youth, religious and educational institutions and non-governmental organizations will have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of the annual Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
The City of Johannesburg is embarking on this extensive process of consultation with its residents and stakeholders whereby what they say will be able to influence the city’s budget and development priorities for the new financial year.
“Over the years we have tried to consult as widely as possible on the socio economic development of Johannesburg but particularly on a regional basis, thereby allowing residents to tell us exactly what their needs are,” says councilor Constance Bapela, the Speaker of Council.
Traditionally the month of April is dedicated to public consultation. The Executive Mayor, Speaker of Council and elected councillors, who are supported by senior City officials, hold a series of engagements in all seven regions to discuss the content of the IDP as well as communities’ needs and aspirations.
Councilor Bapela says, “It is really through this interaction that we have been able to introduce the Expanded Social Programme, provide rebates for pensioners, provide free limited water and electricity, deliver better services and complete many community projects and initiatives”.
Advertisements indicating dates and times of these regional meetings will be appearing in most daily and local newspapers.
A key focus area under the City’s Governance Cluster is creating greater citizen participation in the City’s decision-making processes, as highlighted by Joburg’s residents during the review of the City’s Growth and Development Strategy in 2011.
The public engagement on the IDP subsequently influences the State of the City Address and Budget Speech that take place in May. Both of these events will be beamed live to specific township tv sites in the Regions.
Ends
Issued on behalf of councilor Constance Bapela, Speaker of Council
By
Virgil James
Group Communications and Tourism
City of Johannesburg
(011) 407 7226 or virgilj@joburg.org.za
