Ward 1 - Nature's Valley
Bitou Ward Information
Ward Representative:
Paul Zietsman
082-4921674
Introduction:
Ward Committee What and who is the Ward Committee and who is ours?In terms of the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 off 1998) a Local Council, if they so decide, may establish a Ward Committee System.
Bitou Municipality have opted for this initiative, to bring government to the people.
Bitou Municipality have opted to establish a Ward Committee System.
A ward committee may make recommendations on any matter affecting its ward, and for that matter may comment on all matters concerning the greater Bitou Municipal area.
The principal is that that the ward representative does not represent any organisation as such, but is there for all the residents of Nature’s Valley and is done on a voluntary non remunerated basis – the representatives only responsibility lies with the residents and has to answer to them and them alone.
Should any resident or owner have issues to bring to the attention off the authorities, it should be done through your ward representative.
It is also important to note that all applications for relaxation of building regulations (building lines, consent usage and deviations) will be debated and commented on through the Ward Committee and the necessary recommendations by your Ward Member will influence the whole process.
Performance Management
To create a democratic culture of local participation and accountability.Planning:
Working closely with the councilors' and community organizations to identify priority needs and make sure that these needs are included in the municipal budgets.
Follow up and feedback:
Insisting on regular reports for municipal projects and services to the ward
committee and at public meetings to keep residents informed about progress (or
standstill). Making constructive suggestions for improvement and if needed to
organize the community to get the job done.
Annual performance reviews:
At least once a year Council should report to the ward committee on their
budgets and performance objectives. If the ward committee does not get a
performance report, the mayor could be asked to take action.
Ward and Residents
Ward committees and residents have very important roles to play in the planning and implementation of Municipal Service Partnerships (MSPs)Some of these are:
- Assisting the municipality to decide accurately on which services are to be expanded and improved.
- Residents should work with NGO's, CBO's and political parties to develop
proposals for council.