2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

UmgungundlovuDMPietermaritzburg is to the south of UDM what Newcastle is to the north. Ithas the additional advantage that it provides the link with the Ethekwiniarea.Zooming in on the Umzinyathi the District jurisdiction the existing nodes are spread in thefollowing manner;First order nodeThe PGDS only identifies Dundee as one of its tertiary nodes. However, the close proximity ofGlencoe and the functional links between the two areas needs to be considered. If only Dundeeis selected, it undoubtedly implies that Glencoe should continue to decline. However, the twourban areas linked by more intensive farming and the possible reintroduction of mining and anup scaling of rail transport warrants the inclusion of Glencoe as part of an extended urban node.Second order nodesThe second order nodes align with the PGDS proposals. It covers the administrative seats ofNqutu, Msinga and Umvoti Local Municipalities. The primary role is to service as regionalservice centres.Third order nodesNone of the rural service centres was specifically identified by PGDS. However, the PGDS isclear on their envisaged role and function. The nodes identified as third order nodes all fulfillthese function already. However, it is important to note that the fact that these points wereidentified as nodes it is not implied that grow and investment in these nodes should besupported. The approach would rather be to sustain current services and to direct development,investment, and growth to the first and second order nodes. The resource base of themunicipality is simply too small to include these nodes in an investment strategy. Theassessment has also shown that densities in their service areas are too low to support costeffective service delivery. These nodes should however, actively be managed to prevent furtherdecay and to maintain health standards and ensure building safety.Draft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 56Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municipality22 March 2013