11 February 2005

THE partnership between Buffalo City and the Swedish municipality of Gälve was strengthened this week by a visiting delegation from the Scandinavian city.

The eight-member team, led by Mayor Mats Ågren, held a series of workshops to discover ways the partnership, initiated in May 2003, could be used to improve service delivery in both cities.

The visit is also part of an agreement to hold joint steering committee meetings every six months to review progress made in the two cities. In addition, the twice-yearly meetings are opportunities to establish new objectives and goals.

Commenting on the benefits of their partnership, which is sanctioned by the Swedish International Development Agency, Buffalo City Mayor Sindisile Maclean said it had created an opportunity for new projects to be developed.

"We are hoping the exchange of ideas will further benefit our cities and bring new ideas to the table," said Maclean

Ågren said learning was a vital aspect of the partnership. "Let us now see how we can integrate plans for growth on a political and social level."

The next meeting will be in Gälve in August, when a delegation from Buffalo City will attend a seminar on good governance.