Muni invites public comment on IDP

KNYSNA - Knysna Municipality last week announced the commencement of the public participation process for its integrated development plan (IDP). For the next month-and-a-half, residents have the opportunity to provide their feedback on the IDP.

In a statement issued by the municipality's communications team, Knysna Municipality said that Council has the authority to approve the five-year strategy, along with an annual review of the plan.

It is the latter that is currently being carried out as part of the 2023/24 financial year. The IDP informs all development and planning within the municipal boundaries and may initiate programmes and projects in collaboration with the district municipality, provincial and national government.

Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola referred to the IDP as a living document that addresses the needs of the community and other stakeholders. "As we live in a constantly changing environment, the IDP is reviewed annually to ensure that Council's programme remains relevant and aligned with this strategic document, and that it speaks directly to the needs and development priorities of communities."

Have your say

The public consultation process started on 21 September and is scheduled to end on 14 November.

According to the communications team, Knysna Municipality will host public consultations and interactions with residents in all wards. Directors will provide feedback on progress made with the implementation of IDP priorities and the public will have the opportunity to make inputs on current priorities as stipulated in the current plan, and changes in conditions that require immediate attention.

"We invite all interest groups, social structures, stakeholders, and the entire greater Knysna community to participate in this process at the venues indicated," said Sebola. "Please consult the schedule on our website to find out when we will be in your area and attend the meeting to participate in this process. We must work together to create a plan that works for the better of our entire community."

There are three ways in which the public can take part in the IDP's consultation process, namely: attending a meeting in your ward; submitting your comments in writing at the meeting venue in your ward before the meeting starts; or sending your comments in writing directly to the municipality.

Comments in writing can be sent via email to idp@knysna.gov.za, via post to PO Box 21, Knysna, 6570, or by hand delivery to 5 Clyde Street. For any further enquiries you can contact C Chordnum (chordnum@ knysna.gov.za/044 302 6235) or

Knysna Municipality

B Cornelius, (bcornelius@knysna. gov.za/044 302 6387).

The closing date for written submissions is 15 November.