Document: iLembe DM: IDP 2011/2012

ILembe District Municipality is a Municipality that always strive for excellence, speedy service delivery and committed to out rooting poverty. Located between Richards bay and eThekwini iLembe is well located for various number of opportunities stretching from local to international business. Furthermore in order to ensure a sustainable environment for the future generation the Municipality is putting necessary measures in protecting its natural environment by complying with the necessary legislation. As a commitment to the protection of the environment and sustainable development iLembe District Municipality organised the first Climate Summit in the region on the 5th of August 2010. The various issues raised at the summit indicated that ILembe District is not immune to climate change. As a coastal district it is imperative that the district prepares and adapts itself to a changing world. Sustainable development is thus at the core on how the District conduct business within the region. This initiative is important to pass on to the next Council in order ensure continues effort in dealing with issues of sustainable development and climate change over the next five years and beyond.

The District has through its strategic planning exercises in tandem with the local municipalities and other role players, prepared an Energy Master Plan which has identified a need for approximately R1, 8 billion worth of bulk and secondary electrical infrastructure to be constructed and administered within the iLembe District Municipality as a whole, in order to meet the present electricity backlogs being experienced within the District.

The district intends being the first District in the Country with renewable energy resources. To enable the above, the District has undertaken with assistance from COGTA to develop as follows:

• 1. iLembe District renewable energy development plan
• 2. Applying for a NERSA licence for the iLembe District Municipality.
• 3. Engaging and negotiating with financial sponsors and international donor organisations in order to raise the capital required.
• 4. Engaging and negotiating with the various technology partners within the WFE programme to find appropriate hybrid solutions and technology applications.

The 2011/2012 iLembe IDP Review marks the end of 5 years of implementing the 5 year Strategic Plan which was adopted by Council in June 2006. It is without doubt that the iLembe District is showing signs of substantial progress in terms of speedy service delivery especially in poverty stricken areas. This is further amplified by the current draft 5 year review which was commissioned by Council as a way to provide a comprehensive review and measure all work done by Council in the past five years and strategically align current commitments with the new 5 year plan to be commissioned by the new Council in order to ensure continuity and alignment.

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