The programme aims to assist Municipal wards develop ward plans, stimulate active citizenship, communities and ward committees and assist municipalities develop credible Integrated Development Plans, which are based on inputs from the people.
This programme is in line with the Municipal Systems Act, which states that a Municipal council must develop a culture of participatory governance that encourage and create conditions for communities and other stakeholders to participate in the preparation, implementation and review of its IDP and preparation of its budget.
This means citizens have their say on the budget to be allocated to their ward and they also help identify areas of priority. In Ward 72 in Welbedacht the crime issue was on top of the agenda. The community requested a mobile police station because the Chatsworth Police Station is far.
Other issues raised were recreational facilities such as a sports ground, a park and skills development centre. There were also complaints about a mobile clinic which operates once a week. The shortage of houses, electricity and water was also raised.
Ward Councillor Phindiwe Zungu said: “We will take all these concerns to the Executive Committee to discuss further and come up with solutions on how to meet needs of the communities,” said Zungu.
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