City seeks consensus on new wards
By Tabisa Mntengwana
13 November 2009
PUBLIC consultations on proposed new ward boundaries in Buffalo City began on Wednesday, 11 November at various venues in the city, including Berlin, Mdantsane, Ilitha and Zwelithsa.
The meeting in Berlin kicked off with opening remarks by the portfolio head for corporate services, Sizwe Dikimolo, who said: “The ward delimitation process is part of the municipality’s preparation for the 2011 local government elections and preparations for the city [to achieve] metro status.”
As proposed by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), the City was consulting local stakeholders on the proposed ward boundaries. “We have until 18 December this year to make comments and find general consensus on these proposed wards.”
He was followed by Yolande Nkosi, a City official, who explained the delimitation process to residents as proposed by the MDB. “The first priority is to reach consensus in our municipal areas on the ward boundaries and to ensure that our proposals comply with the legislation and criteria.”
In her presentation, Nkosi emphasised that the City was guided by the general rules of the board when drawing up new wards. “These rules include that ward boundaries do not change when an existing ward complies with the norm unless it is required by the reconfiguration of the other wards.”
When the MDB was drawing up the proposed wards, it took into consideration physical characteristics such as road networks, rivers and mountains.
Nkosi pointed out that residents who did not agree with the proposed wards, must submit their concerns and proposals for the same ward to the board by completing a Form MDB 3.
“If general consensus is reached at the meetings, a green map, which has the new proposed boundaries [must be submitted to the board], and a Form MDB 2 should be attached to the map.”
After the submission of the MDB forms, the board will visit the municipality to listen to the various views.
The meeting concluded with a question and answer session, with residents seeking clarity on specific issues. Dikimolo also advised people to meet their ward councillors to find consensus on the proposed wards.
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