Housing audit needed to address access, accountability
by Adv Boitumelo Babuseng MPL – DA Provincial Spokesperson for Economic Affairs
Date: 08 June 2017
Release: Immediate
Type: Press Statement
The Democratic Alliance has formally called on the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs to instruct the Kgatelopele Local Municipality to adopt an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) that complies with the law.
This follows council’s failure to adopt the IDP by the deadline of 31 May 2017. At the council meeting held on Wednesday, three councilors voted against, and three councillors voted for the adoption of the proposed document.
The councillors from the DA voiced strenuous objections to the fact that there was no public participation to speak of in this IDP process, which is clearly illegal. The local community, as well as stakeholders such as business and civil society organisations, must be consulted and must participate in any IDP process.
It is a matter of grave concern that the municipal manager has stated his intention to report to the MEC that the IDP has been adopted by council. A simple mathematical calculation will show that, with three votes in favour and three votes against, the document cannot be said to be adopted.
We find the municipal manager’s insistence on ramming through an illegitimate document questionable. His contract is coming to an end at the end of June 2017 and it appears as though he is intent on pushing questionable policies through council so that he can rule from the grave.
In violation of the law, the municipal manager and the mayor developed and finalised the IDP when it is the role of the municipal council or an IDP committee to draft such a document.
An Integrated Development Plan is a key strategic tool for any municipality. We cannot allow an illegitimate document to place a burden on the municipality for the next five years.
Media Enquiries
Adv Boitumelo Babuseng MPL
DA Provincial Spokesperson for Economic Affairs
082 302 2117 / 079 874 6179
Tharina Whittaker
Researcher
071 251 5558
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