In a first for Swartland Municipality and the Western Cape, it has launched its new Integrated Development Plan (IDP) on its very own dedicated website and linked it to a QR code, making sure one can have the IDP in one’s pocket whenever and wherever one may need it.
The IDP is a substantial document making easy access challenging. Swartland therefore decided to combine technology with the IDP and create a user-friendly web platform. “By implementing an IDP website we make accessing the IDP easier, quicker and even more environmentally friendly!,” Municipal Manager Joggie Scholtz advises. “Simply go to the Swartland Municipality website or Facebook page, scan the QR code or click on the link provided and the Swartland IDP appears at your fingertips.”
The draft IDP was recently adopted by the council. This, along with the new draft budget for the next financial year, is now open to the public for comment and participation.
The use of a website will allow residents to access important information more easily. The IDP serves as the longer-term strategic plan for the municipality and indicates the strategic goals and initiatives that the municipality will address in the coming years.
“The IDP is in effect the municipality’s business plan,” Scholtz explained. “It is compiled with the input of our residents through extensive public participation processes and updated annually. It is the steering force behind the annual budget and simply put, if it is not in the IDP it is not in the budget.”
Scholtz added it is important that residents familiarise themselves with the IDP to learn what its goals and initiatives are as well as the projects and budgets that form part of Area Plans being implemented in the Swartland area.
“It shows residents that their concerns are included in the decision making processes of the administration and council,” he said.
“The IDP website puts the IDP in your pocket. We want to encourage residents to access the site and familiarise themselves with the municipality’s vision for the whole of Swartland.”
