intsika yethu local municipality - Provincial Spatial Development plan

8.5.2 Operational Financing StrategiesThe purpose of this strategy is to assess the viability (IA) of any association or alliance or partnership thatmay arise from time to time. IYLM has been assigned various functions and authorities by the MEC forLocal Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs or Structures Act. .8.5.3 Strategies to Enhance Cost EffectivenessThe purpose of this strategy is to ensure that IYLM employs the most cost effective operating practices.Importantly, this strategy is driven on the principles enshrined within the Costing policy, which amongstother things advocates that the sustainability of IYLM is not primarily driven on resource generationcapacity, rather a combination of effective resource utilisation, premised on cost conscious decisionmaking practices and processes.8.5.4 Benchmarking and Performance IndicatorsA set of performance indicators will be developed and implemented to test the effectiveness and efficiencyof the Municipality. Benchmarking these against similar organisations will allow for regular internalassessment and upgrading.These bench mark indicators will supplement the battery of indicators that have been developed as part ofthe new budget reporting formats and regulations, aimed at gauging the efficacy of financial performanceand management.8.5.6 Training and Development of StaffTraining sessions and courses are continually being planned to ensure that all financial as well as nonfinancial,senior staff and councillors will be in a better position to evaluate the financial position of theMunicipality. The Council also has an approved skills development plan, which is being implemented andis used to guide training of both Councillors and Officials.8.5.7 Cost EffectivenessAll departments of the IYLM are challenged continually with identifying the most cost effective means ofoperating by employing the methods commonly associated with BOP (Best Operating Practices).8.6 Free Basic Services8.6.1 The indigent support policyThe basic principles of this policy are captured by indicating that the policy is to ensure that poorhouseholds are not denied their constitutional right of access to services, the Intsika Yethu LM is requiredto implement an indigent support policy that makes adequate financial provision to ensure the provisionof efficient and sustainable services to all residents within the area of jurisdiction.The indigent support policy is an integral part of the Intsika Yethu’s tariff policy that is developed andimplemented in a transparent manner to ensure the sustainability of local public services to all of itscitizens at an affordable cost.The indigent policy is intended to provide poor households ongoing access to a specified level of service.The subsidies contained in the policy should not compromise the quality or efficiency of service delivery.190