Maphumulo IDP - KZN Development Planning

4.4 SPATIAL POVERTYWithin the District context, the most poverty stricken areas are generally the inland rural areasconcentrated within the Maphumulo and Ndwedwe Municipalities. The figure belowprovides a spatial summary of the distribution of poverty.MAP 21: iLembe Spatial Development Framework Review: Poverty Distribution4.5 SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND OBJECTIVESMaintaining Continuous Green Space and Protecting BiodiversityThe present generation is challenged to engage with the natural resource base and meet itsdevelopment needs in a manner that enables the future generations to meet their owndevelopment needs. This is often referred to as environmentally sustainable development. Itacknowledges the need to protect the environmentally sensitive areas, optimal utilization ofhigh potential agricultural land, creation of an integrated open space system andenhancement of the aesthetic quality of the environment.River systems as functional systems: Ideally, a buffer line would follow the 1:50 year floor line,but in view of the lack of such information an indicative line has been used. Rivers provideopportunities for tourism, irrigation and sports development. UThukela and Umvoti Rivers aremajor rivers that run through the Municipal area. Ecological zones are environmentallysensitive areas, which are not necessarily protected or declared as such. These includewetlands, areas where there are endemic species, scenic areas, etc. Although high impactdevelopment should be discouraged in such areas, they provide opportunities forenvironmental conservation and tourism development.4.6 TRANSPORT CORRIDORS AS INVESTMENT ROUTESA public investment approach, which emphasizes static points, thus defining access in termsof radial service areas is inefficient. It multiplies the number of points, minimizes the impact of__________________________________________________________________________________________Maphumulo Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2012 - 2013Final June 2012Page 80 of 142