About 500 residents filled the Lenasia South Civic Centre on Saturday, 25 April, turning an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) session into a powerful platform for voicing frustrations over service delivery failures and stalled development.
The meeting, chaired by Speaker of Council Cllr Margaret Arnolds, brought community members face-to-face with City officials, as residents raised pressing concerns affecting their daily lives.
From persistent power outages to the rapid growth of informal settlements, residents spoke candidly about what they described as a declining quality of life.
“We acknowledge the maintenance efforts, but progress is too slow. Our area needs urgent sewer upgrades, and residents are still stuck with gravel roads. We need proper road infrastructure,” said a resident said.
City officials acknowledged the concerns and emphasised that the IDP process is designed to prioritise community needs and guide how resources are allocated.
They noted that Region G – which includes Lenasia South, Orange Farm and Lawley – is experiencing rapid population growth, placing increasing pressure on housing, electricity, roads and basic services. Among the key priorities identified for the region are improving electricity supply stability, accelerating housing development, better management of informal settlements and strengthening waste management services.
Speaker Arnolds encouraged residents to remain engaged in the IDP process, stressing that community participation is essential in shaping a responsive and inclusive development agenda. “The IDP engagement sessions are all about presenting the People’s Plan to you. It can’t be the People’s Plan without your participation,” said Cllr Arnolds.
Residents and stakeholders have until 18 May 2026 to submit their inputs on the Draft IDP.
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