News Update – Mangaung IDP Budget Conference a Resounding Success
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Click here to download the PDF for News Update 22 May 2013
An estimated R2.5 billion has been set aside for the eradication of VIP and pit latrine toilets in Mangaung over the course of six (6) years, the Deputy Executive Mayor Clr Connie Rampai told masses gathered at the City Hall on Friday, 17 May. For the next financial year, R101 million has been budgeted for this programme, with particular focus being placed on Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. Clr Rampai was addressing people from different sectors of the city during the Mangaung Metro’s IDP Budget Conference where she revealed sanitation was the prime concern for residents in both towns. “You can’t have a municipality that plans without involving its people. We must plan with communities so that they understand the critical pillars and underlying realities under which we plan from,” the Deputy Executive Mayor said. To ensure participation of all communities in the drafting of the IDP, the city undertook an intense consultative process over a period of seven months to hear the public’s views and concerns. “This consultative process has assisted and will continue to assist this municipality to improve its planning and implementation in context of what our communities need,” Clr Rampai explained.
The IDP is guided by nine principles as set by the Executive Mayor Clr Thabo Manyoni’s council, which are:
1. Poverty eradication, job creation, rural and economic development;
2. Financial sustainability (e.g. revenue enhancement, clean audit);
3. Spatial development and the built environment;
4. Eradication of bucket system, VIP toilets in Botshabelo, Mangaung and Thaba Nchu;
5. Integrated Human settlement
6. Affordable and Efficient Public transport
7. Environmental Management and Climate change
8. Social and community services
9. “Good Governance” as an overarching development agenda for the Council.
As part of easing the burden on disadvantaged households, the MMC for Finance Clr Nthabiseng Mokotjo said that the city will spend approximately R158 million on its social package, which covers free basic electricity , refuse removal, sanitation, free basic water and the property rates rebates. Indigent households in MMM area are entitled to 10 kilo-litres of free water per month and 50-kilowatt hours for the 2013/14 financial year, she said. Before closing the conference, the DEM cautioned the public to remember that not all suggestions will be implemented in the upcoming financial year. She said they should not be misled by people who may perpetuate the notion that everything will be implemented,as this may cause disarray in the communities. The focus is on priority areas agreed upon.