Background and objectives:

The Eastern Cape is characterized by uncoordinated and inefficient spatial development as a result of dispersed resources, coupled with a demand for land and access to perceived economic opportunities. Municipalities have initiated Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) which guide and coordinate planning in order to prevent a continuation of past settlement patterns and fragmentation of limited resources. The Provincial Department of Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs is charged with the responsibility of preparing a Provincial Spatial Development Plan (PSDP) to guide public and private sector investment initiatives within the context of an efficient and effective land use management and administrative system. The objective of the project is to review and refine the 2003 PSDP and to establish appropriate institutional mechanisms to promote spatial and land use management at provincial and municipal levels.

Activities:
The main activities are:

• Establishing development issues and scenarios through a consultative process.
• Establishing institutional mechanisms and adequate capacity at provincial, district and local municipality level to ensure competences to deliver services with respect to spatial planning and land use management.

Results:
The results achieved so far have been:

• Development nodes and scenarios.
• Database on development situation.
• Updated Provincial Spatial Development Plan (PSDP).
• Training and capacity needs assessment.
• Capacity building strategy.
• Enhanced institutional capacities to enhance service delivery.
• Management systems for spatial planning and land use established.
• Local Urban Observatory.