KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna municipality has scheduled public meetings in all 11 wards in an attempt to get residents and stakeholders to actively participate in the integrated development plan (IDP) process.
The IDP is described as the strategic planning instrument of a municipality and forms the basis of the municipal budget.
Six out of the 11 wards have already had their public meetings.
Ward 9: October 6 at Cearn Hall, Leisure Island
Ward 10: October 11 at the Knysna municipality council chambers
Ward 11: October 12 at AGS Koinonia church
Ward 3: October 13 at Chris Hani community hall
Ward 8: October 19 at AFM Ivangeli Loxolo church
Ward 1: October 24 (second session) at the Sedgefield bowling club
Ward 5: October 25 at Brenton-On-Sea
Although Ward 1 held its IDP public meeting on September 22, a second session has been scheduled for October 24,18:00 at the Sedgefield Bowling Club. This meeting is to accommodate residents from the Island.
The respective ward councillors chair these meetings, with IDP manager Eben Philips making the presentations at each ward meeting.
Some of the issues the Ward 6 residents raised during their public meeting on September 29 were illegal dumping of waste in front of their homes, Absa’s alleged withdrawing of their partnership to build low-income housing in Hornlee, taxi drivers' ill-treatment, and discussed which, between sports facilities and housing development, should be a bigger priority.
Bouw-Spies said, “I will liaise with all ward councillors and ask them to come up with sustainable projects in their wards, obviously within the financial capacity of the municipality.”
On a question on whether Absa withdrew their partnership, Bouw-Spies slammed the allegations and even though she couldn’t further discuss the matter, she said, “It is positive.”
In a recent press release, the mayor urged the public to participate in these public participation processes as the IDP is the blueprint for the development of greater Knysna.
“I encourage our residents to attend the public meetings. This is an opportunity to have your say about the future of this town, so let your voice be heard,” she said.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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