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It must also ensure that the !DP complies with legal requirements before it is approved.
Before approval, the municipality must give an opportunity to the public to comment on the
draft. Once the !DP is amended according to the input from the public, the council decides on
its approval. Once a municipality has adopted its !DP, it must submit a copy together with the
process plan and the framework for the IDP to the MEC ofthe province for assessment. The
MSA does not require the MEC to approve the IDP, only to assess that the IDP complies with
the requirements of the Act and that it does not conflict with lOPs and strategies of other
municipalities and state strategies [www.wds.worldbank.org/external/defaultfWOS
contentserverl WOSPIl2/2002l3 11000094946 02071, (2008)].
The lOP implementation cycle is important for the planning and development of any urban
and spatial environment, more specifically for a town that is located in a rural environment,
such as Ulundi. Some of the advantages or benefits of the lOP implementation guidelines
include the following: (Local Economic Development, 200 I)
• It informs a municipality about the problems affecting its area, and its current
available resources: information enabling and managing to develop and implement
appropriate strategies and projects to address the problems.
• If municipalities make more effective use of scarce resources, the municipality can
focus on identified and prioritised local needs, taking into consideration local
resources. Municipalities search for more effective solutions by addressing causes
rather than merely by allocating budgets to deal with symptoms.
• Delivery is speeded up by providing a tool which guides where investment should be
directed.
• Public participation is encouraged and decision-making mechanisms are identified
that will arrive at realistic project proposals, taking into consideration limited
resources.
• A clear municipal development plan, facilitating investment by private investment and
sector development.
• Strengthening democracy and institutional transformation through transparency and
inclusiveness. It engages different socio-economic groups where people live and
work.
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