An Evaluation of Integrated Development Plans for Service Delivery at Selected Medium Capacity Municipalities in the Free State Province

Abstract

The study covers three medium capacity municipalities in the Free State Province. The municipalities are Phumelela Local Municipality, Mantsopa Local municipality and Kopanong Local municipality. The study was intended at evaluating the Integrated Development Plan(IDP) for service delivery in these municipalities, and focus on issues regarding policy framework, the interpretation and implementation. This study used questionnaires and interviews to indentify the gaps and challenges on areas of implementation. The matters of local economic development and job creation also took centre stage. Local economic development is the key in reviving local economy and creating sustainable communities. The level of basic infrastructure was also looked at, so that the study could determine the impact of the IDP in those mentioned municipalities. IDP is an approach to planning that involves the entire municipality and its citizens in finding the best solutions to achieve good long-term development. An IDP is an outstanding plan for an area that gives an overall framework for development. It aims to co-ordinate the work of local and other spheres of government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life for all the people living in an area. It should take into account the existing conditions, problems and resources available for development. The plan should look at economic and social development for the area as a whole. It must set a framework for how land should be used, what infrastructure and services are needed and how the environment should be protected. All municipalities have to produce an Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The municipality is responsible for the co-ordination of the IDP and must draw in other stakeholders in the area who can impact on and/or benefit from development in the area. Once the IDP is drawn up all municipal planning and projects should happen in terms of the IDP. The annual council budget should be based on the IDP. Other government departments working in the area should take the IDP into account when making their own plans.