IDP
With regards to the IDP, BCM has committed to reporting back to all communities. A strong focus of the IDP is on increasing capacity in order to execute projects set in motion by the BCM and prevent budget roll-overs. The Mayor has indicated the importance of creating an environment within Buffalo City where everyone can live, work and play.

The Mayor has committed to addressing the lack of service delivery within BCM, namely the broken pipes, the malfunctioning street lights and traffic lights, the unkept parts, etc. Procurement has been made to upgrade the refuse removal machinery used in BCM and to eradicate illegal dumping sites. Duncan Village was mentioned, because BCM has created more dedicated waste sites within Duncan Village for residents to make use of.

Community Development
The Mayor has indicated that the development approach must be accelerated. She mentioned that the humanitarian programme of delivering food parcels to the elderly and poor on a rotational basis is ongoing.

She also indicated that she would like BCM to ensure that everyone has access to health care within 5kms of their homes, especially via mobile clinics. BCM is also embarking on an awareness campaign regarding Swine Flu. With HIV/Aids, the focus has shifted to the impact the disease has on the community, instead of focusing solely on trying to educate communities about not becoming infected. The Mayor indicated that statistics reveal approximately 80% of the greater BCM community know their HIV/Aids status.

There is also a more concerted effort to make public places more accessible by those people with disabilities, the main town library being one of the areas where access has been upgraded to allow for wheelchairs.

Building Department
The Mayor is very aware of the situation with the Building Department, referring in particular to people whose rates/water/refuse accounts are paid and up-to-date, but then experience electricity cuts. She indicated that current centralisation of the entire admin centre is being looked into.

Roads
The Mayor is also very much aware of the dire situation of the roads. Her aim is to fill all the potholes in Buffalo City by the end of the year. With regards to the tarring of the roads in Mdantsane, she is aware of the failed promises and aims to present a plan of action in six month’s time.

Housing
The Mayor stated that there are still 38 605 shacks and backyard shacks in BCM. The Mayor indicated that 19 000 houses where currently in various stages of development, however none are completely built. She aims to deliver at least 5 000 houses in this financial year. She indicated that there are housing projects planned for Haven Hills, West Bank, Mdantsane, Second Creek, etc. Again, it is unclear if any of these are new projects or if they have already been implemented to some degree.

Duncan Village got a mention, particularly since there are 21 000 houses in this high density area. 320 new houses are being planned for. A large clean-up and beautification programme is going to be implemented as well. The Mayor has also promised to tar 20kms of road in Duncan Village to the tune of R20 million.

Entrepreneurship
BCM has embarked on a campaign to capacitate new entrepreneurs. R3 million has been set aside for this. Successful projects to facilitate skills development include the Mdantsane One-Stop Shop, which teaches business skills to new entrepreneurs. The Mayor is open to new ideas of creating job opportunities. Currently the focus has been on equipping hawkers with their small businesses.

Rural and Agricultural Development
The Mayor acknowledges the very negative situation. She indicated that BCM has donated farming implements and helped put up fences in different communities. Also, the BCM is currently involved in an agricultural project in Mdantsane, into which they have pumped R3 million. The Mayor is open to new ideas of improving the current rural and agricultural situations.

Rural development is a top priority for the Mayor. BCM is going to sit down and revise the strategy and approach to rural development. They want to include looking into village tourism, proper sanitation, access to electricity, proper and adequate transport solutions, sports facilities, health facilities, etc. Their list is long. The Mayor wants to hold a summit to address development, but it was unclear to me whether the summit will address development in Buffalo City or the rural areas. She has acknowledged the need for a new approach to community involvement and development. In particular, she wants to focus on helping and equipping SMMEs.

MAD Campaign
Later this year, the Mayor is going to launch her MAD campaign. She knows that the community is mad about the lack of service delivery and she wants to encourage people to be mad about the city they live in. Her Make A Difference (MAD) Campaign will follow the example of the recently launched Mandela Day.

To conclude, the Mayor is stressing that during her term in office, the focus of BCM will be going back to the basics.