Residents across Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality voiced their service delivery priorities at recent Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings, with significant engagement in both Despatch and Gqeberha.
Despatch meeting highlights progress made
An IDP and Budget Meeting was held at the Living Waters Church in Joe Slovo, Despatch, on May 19, drawing a substantial turnout from the community. Ward 41 Councillor, Luyanda Lawu, who also serves as Safety and Security portfolio head, addressed residents alongside Member of the Mayoral Committee, Zanele Mnqokoyi of Electricity and Energy. Executive Directors, Nosipho Xhego and Thabiso Mfeya, representing Corporate Services and Human Settlements respectively, were also present, supported by departmental officials.
During the meeting, residents outlined several priorities including the tarring of roads, provision of street lighting, housing developments, and the establishment of a high school in the area. Notably, attendees also commended Lawu for delivering on previous commitments, including the tarring of the main road, electrification of informal settlements, and the construction of both a sports field and a community park.
Gqeberha residents raise infrastructure concerns
Meanwhile in Gqeberha, acting ward Councillor for Ward 34, Georgina Faldtman, led the 2025/26 Integrated Development Plan public participation meeting held at the West End Community Centre. The meeting attracted residents from both Wards 32 and 34, eager to engage on pressing service delivery issues affecting their communities.
Residents highlighted several concerns impacting their daily lives, including dangerous open manholes, widespread potholes damaging vehicles and endangering pedestrians, malfunctioning traffic lights, and inconsistent electricity supply. The vandalism of public infrastructure emerged as another significant issue, with community members calling for enhanced security measures and improved maintenance.
Unemployment, particularly among the youth, was identified as a key challenge, prompting residents to urge the Municipality to create more job opportunities and support skills development initiatives.
Faldtman acknowledged these challenges and pledged to ensure the community’s concerns are properly captured in the IDP and addressed through the municipality’s planning and implementation processes. The IDP meetings form part of the municipality’s annual consultation process to align community needs with budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year.
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