PIET MARAIS
Ndlambe Municipality last week formally responded to the extensive public comments, 92 in total, submitted by the Kenton-on-Sea Rate Payers Association (KOSRA) regarding the Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget 2025/26. The response, detailed in a letter from Municipal Manager Rolly Dumezweni to the KOSRA Executive Committee, acknowledges the 92 items raised by the community and outlines the municipality’s stance and planned actions.
A comprehensive comment-response table, capturing each of KOSRA’s 92 items, along with the municipality’s response and status, has been provided.
Where comments were partially accepted, the municipality cited constraints such as capital funding commitments, pending grant applications, or environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements.
These inputs would be incorporated into planning and implementation processes, either in the current IDP cycle, through future amendments, or in the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP). Inputs requiring funding, external partnerships, or policy changes have been logged for phased action and oversight.
KOSRA’s submission, emailed on April 30, 2025, highlighted a range of critical issues, predominantly focusing on infrastructure, maintenance, and budget transparency within Ward 4. Among the key concerns raised were:
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Infrastructure Maintenance: KOSRA emphasized the lack of a coherent, prioritised maintenance action plan linked to a sustainable budget, arguing that existing infrastructure is neglected in favour of new development. The municipality partially accepted this, stating sector plans are being developed, and accepted the need to prioritize maintaining existing infrastructure.
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Water and Wastewater Management: Significant issues were raised regarding water services falling below gazetted minimum levels and frequent wastewater spillages. The municipality acknowledged water supply challenges and accepted the need to improve wastewater management, noting that current grant funding for refurbishment and upgrades is fully committed.
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Budget Transparency and Allocation: Concerns were voiced about the IDP not clearly explaining how ratepayer income improves infrastructure and service delivery, and the inadequacy of roads and stormwater maintenance budgets. The municipality partially agreed to link budgets transparently and noted that detailed budgets do contain type and location splits for maintenance. They also acknowledged insufficient budget for roads and stormwater maintenance.
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Institutional Capacity and Governance: KOSRA pointed out Ndlambe’s lack of skills and capacity to maintain infrastructure and issues with late public participation. The municipality agreed on the need to review internal capacity and improve councillor training on IDP and budgeting linkages. They also accepted the need to start public participation earlier in the budget and IDP cycle.
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Project Planning and Implementation: The public comments highlighted that many key infrastructure issues were not translated into concrete, funded plans, and that project lists often resembled “wish lists” without clear impact or implementation strategies. The municipality accepted the need to structure projects according to IDMS stages and assign project numbers, funding sources, timelines, and wards.
Dumezweni’s letter confirms that all comments received during the public participation process were considered by relevant directorates and formally adopted by Council on May 30, 2025.
Ndlambe Municipality has committed to issuing a follow-up communication during the IDP 2026/27 review to report on progress. The Municipal Manager expressed high value for KOSRA’s continued involvement and welcomed further engagement to support sustainable development in Ward 4 governance and ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents are heard and addressed in the municipality’s development plans and budget allocations.
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, June 26, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
