NELSON Mandela Bay Municipality IDP and Budget Public Participation meetings are in full swing across different wards within Nelson Mandela Bay.
Residents of Wards 24, 26 and 27 braved the cold and wet weather recently, and took the opportunity to orally submit their ward development wishes at one of the meetings held at the Soweto-on-Sea multi-purpose centre.
Following the noting of the budget in council last month, the municipality is mandated by law to hold public participation meetings that will give the public and stakeholders an opportunity to submit their contributions about the development of their wards.
Speaking to the residents, Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Budget and Treasury, Buyelwa Mafaya, said it was critical that the meetings be well attended so that the finalised IDP can reflect the will of the people. Mafaya said that the IDP and Budget process is happening at a time when the country is facing tough economic times.
“We continue to receive less from the grant funding due to tough economic times. The contributions made must be understood that we cannot deliver on them at the same time.
“It becomes critical that we prioritise,” said Mafaya.
The councillor also called for those who can afford to pay for services to diligently do so.
“Inasmuch as we get grants, we need ratepayers to pay so that we can do more and deliver quality services. We do understand those who receive the Assistance to the Poor (ATTP), but those who are supposed to pay, must pay,” said Mafaya.
According to a statement by the municipality’s spokesperson, Mthubanzi Mniki, successful meetings have been held in several wards across the bay, and in all the meetings residents have expressed their impatience on what they called the slow pace of service delivery.
They also expressed their concern at the poor funding of municipalities by national government. They also acknowledged the service delivery work that has been done in their wards.
“We do appreciate the resurfacing of roads and speed calming measures.
“Our areas are safer and access for emergency services is much easier,” said Ward 24 resident, Nokuzola Mantile.
Mantile called for the metro to intervene in making their communities safe for emergency services vehicles and personnel.
“The situation of crime against the emergency services personnel has reached a crisis stage; we need an urgent intervention,” she said.
Ward 26 resident, Noloyiso Dick, commended the efforts that the metro is making to keep the communities clean.
“We appreciate the efforts that are done through EPWP, they not only make a difference to clean, but they are also going a long way in alleviating poverty,” said Dick.
The meetings will continue until the end of this week.
Information about the meetings is published through the metro social media pages, local newspapers, through Ward Councillor offices, and local radio stations.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings for the enhancement of their ward development plans.
