Pretoria - Ekurhuleni Metro is calling on its residents to exercise their democratic right by telling council what they want to see happening in their areas.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is giving residents an opportunity to give their input on the 2011-2016 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the 2011/12 - 2013/14 budgets on Saturday, March 19 from 9am to 2pm.
Council already has the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget for the next five years, following an extensive consultation process which started in July 2010.
"Ward submissions were sourced through workshops held in each Customer Care Area from 13 July to 20 August 2010.
"On 19 March, we encourage all residents of the region to come out for final input. This process is as equally important as elections as it affords ordinary people a chance to influence the affairs of their government," explained Zweli Dlamini, the metro's spokesperson.
Some of the issues that have been raised with council in the workshops include economic development and job creation, improved health facilities and programmes on HIV/Aids and improved education, with specific focus on skills development.
Matters around the need for improved safety and security, living conditions in terms of infrastructure development and housing provision and maintenance were also highly prioritised.
Unlike previously years, the metro will have three regional meetings in Rabasotho Hall, Tembisa (Northern region), Faranani Hall, Tsakane (Eastern Region), and the Vosloorus Civic Hall (Southern region).
Transport has been made available for residents from neighbouring communities to the venues. Enquiries can be made at the nearest customer care centre.
Dividing the IDP session into three regional meetings will help the metro to get a clearer picture of the issues on the ground and will afford communities more opportunities to put their developmental concerns forward, said Dlamini.
In addition to this consultative process, the municipality will also embark on the normal Budget Tips campaign during the month of March 2011. Communities and stakeholders are encouraged to compile and submit comments and suggestions on the draft IDP and budget to Ekurhuleni Metro by end of March 2011.
Both documents are available in their draft form at municipal Customer Care Centres, libraries, as well as on Council's website www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.
