Integrated Development Plan (IDP)

What is the IDP?

This Integrated Development Plan is a plan, which clearly states the strategy of the municipality, and shows how resources will be used and prioritized. As a strategic planning tool, it guides and informs all planning budgeting, management and decision making in a municipality. The IDP is a mechanism and instrument that seeks to give meaning to developmental local government, where people themselves are active participants in the identification of needs, priorities and strategies for the reconstruction and development of communities. It represents a major shift in policy formulation and budget compilation, where communities now decide and determine priorities and where resources should be channeled. Our IDP is based on needs identified by communities. It includes the opinions of residents, the community at large, and business. The full participation of all stakeholders is thus essential for the success of the IDP and requires the total commitment of those who are involved in it.

Why is the IDP necessary?

• It enables the municipality to manage the process of fulfilling its developmental responsibilities.
• Through the IDP, the municipality is informed about the problems affecting its residents. They are thus able to develop and implement appropriate strategies and projects to address the problems.
• It helps to make more effective use of scarce resources.
• Helps to speed up delivery.
• Helps to attract additional funds.
• Helps to strengthen democracy, and hence institutional transformation because decisions are made in a democratic and transparent manner, rather than just by a few.
• Promises intergovernmental coordination.
• Helps to overcome the legacy of apartheid at local level.