The effectiveness of the integrated development plan (IDP) as service delivery tool within the Mahikeng Local Municipality

Abstract

Development planning is imperative in every organisation; hence it is done at national, regional and local levels. It is the responsibility of the municipalities to ensure that there are developments within their jurisdictions, by using the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) as an operational and strategic plan that supersedes all the planning processes for development. This is a five year plan, which is reviewed annually. The aim of the IDP is to ensure that all municipalities within South Africa are coordinating development activities within their jurisdiction correctly. The purpose of the IDP is to improve the life of people who are living within the jurisdiction of the municipality by providing them with basic services like water, electricity, sanitation and proper roads. Furthermore focus in the IDP is on community involvement, funding and allocation of scarce resources. Community should be given a chance to indicate which services should be prioritised using the available resources. This study investigated and evaluated the effectiveness of the IDP as service delivery tool within Mahikeng Local Municipality in the North West Province. Research methodology and data analysis are described. From the questionnaires that were distributed and the interviews that were conducted, the study revealed that there are challenges that hinder the effectiveness of the IDP within the municipality. These challenges/findings are presented with recommendations. One of the challenges identified was the high backlog of service delivery that cannot be eradicated. This overshadows the local development within the Mahikeng Local Municipality and has led to numerous protests against poor service delivery. Monitoring and evaluating what development is required against what is being done, can lead to improved service delivery. This will also ensure that consultants and contractors are not exploiting the municipality.