Kouga Integrated Development Plan receives nod of approval

Kouga Integrated Development Plan receives nod of approval

KOUGA – Kouga Municipality’s reviewed Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2024/2025 financial year was approved by Council during an Ordinary Council meeting on Friday, 31 May 2024.

Developed through consultations with communities and various levels of government, the IDP is a five-year plan (2002-2027) that addresses the needs of all 15 municipal wards.

“Our DP is externally focused, driven by community needs, and geared towards meeting the aspirations of our residents as gleaned from extensive stakeholder consultations,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman.

Key objectives

The municipality has set four key objectives to achieve within the next 15 months. These include fixing roads, upgrading wastewater treatment works, improving customer care, and reducing reliance on Eskom.

A tender for a long-term loan of R200 million to rehabilitate 150kmof roads in the region closed on 3 May 2024. The evaluation stage is now underway, with officials assessing proposals to select the best service provider for this critical project.

“This endeavour holds immense importance for the Kouga region, as it promises to address longstanding road infrastructure challenges, enhance connectivity, and bolster economic growth.”

Furthermore, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for constructing a 20MW solar plant outside Humansdorp has been completed and approved. A comprehensive financial feasibility study is currently being conducted to determine the cost and financing modules.

“This green energy project will reduce our reliance on Eskom, cut energy supply costs, create jobs, energise local businesses, and significantly boost economic development, particularly in the Humansdorp area,” said Bornman.

The municipality will invest over R42 million to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in KwaNomzamo, Humansdorp. The 18-month project aims to enhance the plant’s treatment capacity and remove obstacles hindering a 400-unit housing project in the area.

“This upgrade is crucial for improving our wastewater infrastructure and supporting housing development,” said Bornman.

The municipality is also excited to launch its first-ever Customer Service Charter, potentially the first of its kind in the province.

“This document is a commitment to our residents, detailing the services we offer, the standards we aim to uphold, and our promised turnaround times,” said Bornman.

To provide dignity to the poorest in the community, informal settlements across the Kouga region will be upgraded at a combined cost of more than R68 million. This project will provide over 3 000 households in nine informal communities with essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and waste management, helping to eliminate reliance on the bucket system.

“I trust that this IDP will strengthen the municipality’s partnership with communities in the private sector, and other government levels, enabling us to achieve our goals,” said Bornman.

“Together we can unlock our potential to become the best municipality in South Africa.”