Document: Gert Sibande DM: IDP 2011-2014

In reviewing our 2010/11 IDP and subsequently drafting our IDP and Budget respectively for 2011/12 to 2013/14 and beyond, we have consulted quite extensively with our communities in all our constituent Local Municipalities through their varying groupings using our IDP Representative Forum and other IGR structures institutionalised within our Municipality.

Culminating from the state of the Nation and state of the Province Addresses respectively, and aforementioned consultation and engagements with varying stakeholders the following Key Development objectives were identified as pertinent in bringing about improved quality of life for our entire populace:

• Facilitate creation of more jobs and descent work;
• Form strategic partnerships in fighting hunger and poverty;
• Advocate for access to quality education for all our citizens;
• Ensure proper health care for all our communities;
• Ensure sustainable development of all rural communities within our jurisdictional area;
• Harness the building of safer and secure communities

To date resounding success has been realised in number of areas, where many of our people are living decent lives as a result of the services provided by the District in collaboration with its social partners. Whilst much has been achieved, there is still much that needs to be done to reverse and ultimately eradicate undesired consequences of underdevelopment, inequality, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and poverty.

The programmes aimed at providing and sustaining the already existing infrastructure have in some or other way created job opportunities and skills development for the communities within Gert Sibande. Some achievements include the building of Sub-Disaster Centres in the two local municipalities, centralisation of the District offices which also provided some job opportunities for the local communities.

The District is therefore determined to work within our jurisdictional area even harder and closely with government institutions and all its Social Partners to initiate and create job opportunities through EPWP and other initiatives, for the benefit of the unemployed and the poor. By 2014, all households will have access to running water and decent / proper sanitation. Furthermore, the District aims to ensure that all households have access to electricity by 2012.