Buffalo City is the new municipal structure that came into existence after the 2000 local government elections. It includes East London, King William's Town and Bhisho. It is in the Amatole District. About 880 000 people live here.

Buffalo City Municipality aims to extend basic services to all. The provision of a free basic amount of water is in place and the municipality has nearly finalised the provision of free basic electricity. Buffalo City Municipality has its basic infrastructure frameworks in place and there is a spatial framework and a functioning land-use management system. A number of innovative initiatives in city planning and social housing are under way. The municipality has a five-year low-cost housing plan, which complements the identification of Mdantsane as one of the national urban renewal nodes. This is a key integration project and could potentially have many benefits for the city as a whole. Read about the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme.

Maximising social development
Buffalo City Municipality has recognised the importance of social development issues and has been exploring how to intervene in this area. There is a strong focus on cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, disability and HIV/Aids in municipal plans. Primary health and HIV/Aids have been given key priority status in the IDP. Local Agenda 21 issues with specific reference to sustainability and the environment also enjoy a high profile in Buffalo City Municipality plans. Innovative pilot projects on social housing are currently under way. Buffalo City Municipality has an indigent policy in place.

What services does Buffalo City provide?
Buffalo City Municipality provides a wide range of services to communities, either on its own, in conjunction with other spheres of government or in association with other organisations, including business and non-governmental organisations. The services provided by Buffalo City Municipality are defined by a number of Acts of Parliament, and further information can be obtained from www.gov.za. Buffalo City provides a wide range of services, including:

• primary health care;
• certain aspects of housing provision;
• library services;
• sports and recreational facilities;
• facilities for the elderly;
• environmental health services; and
• information services.

For more information on the services available in your area, please visit the service areas on this web site, drop into one of the Municipal Enquiry Offices or telephone the city's customer care centre. Ward councillors also have information on local services and you can find your representative by contacting the customer care centre or looking at the full list of councillors on this website.

Buffalo City Municipality is responsible for planning within the municipality and compliance with zoning and other aspects of planning legislation.

The municipality is responsible for revenue collection for all services provided where a change is made and the management of all aspects of expenditure undertaken by the municipality.

The municipality is working with communities to create a safe environment and has a police force and other emergency workers to ensure bylaw enforcement, as well as certain aspects of traffic management.

The municipality has certain responsibilities for marketing and tourism in the area; arts, culture and recreation, including publically owned art galleries, places of historical interest and museums.

Buffalo City Municipality has certain responsibilities for economic development and training. Click here for information on the city's plans for the future.

The municipality has responsibilities for infrastructure development, planning and management of business and residential development.

The municipality provides services such as electricity distribution and management of the electricity infrastructure; water distribution and sewerage management; refuse collection and management of sites for the disposal of waste; property management; development and maintenance of the area's road system, in conjunction with national and provincial agencies; traffic management, including traffic lights and signage; public space management, including public lighting, parks and other facilities.

For information and contact details regarding city services, click on the relevant department in the righthand column.