Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Ana Motaung and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Eleanor Quinta.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-A-Phofung (MAP) will file questions at the next council meeting regarding how the recent Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process was conducted. We demand a transparent and meaningful IDP process in the municipality.
The municipality recently conducted IDP review roadshows across various wards as part of the IDP review process. However, after these roadshows, ward committees were expected to meet and review the proposals and priorities raised during the engagements.
It remains unclear whether this process has occurred, as there is little evidence of such meetings and no clear communication with communities regarding the outcomes.
The DA is concerned about the conduct of the ANC-led municipality, as many areas across Maluti-A-Phofung continue to experience serious delays in service delivery. Infrastructure such as water, roads, and electricity remains the municipality’s biggest need. Communities also continue to raise concerns about the poor maintenance of existing infrastructure, which has significantly contributed to ongoing service delivery failures.
The only sustainable solution is a genuine participatory planning process where the needs of communities are properly reflected in the projects identified in the IDP and ultimately in the municipal budget.
All IDP documents must present clear budget allocations, and grants must not be supported by the council unless they are properly signed and approved. As the IDP forms the basis of the municipal budget, the DA will closely monitor the budgeting process to ensure that key priorities, such as water supply, electricity infrastructure, road upgrades, and maintenance, are properly included.
We remain committed to ensuring equitable service delivery for all residents of Maluti-A-Phofung and call for transparency, accountability, and proper community participation in the IDP process.
The IDP must not become a mere tick-box exercise or political roadshow, but rather a serious planning process that responds to communities’ real needs.