For cities to be able to meet their development needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, long-term sustainable development frameworks must be adopted.

Imagine Durban recognizes that our current global path of economic development is destroying our natural environment and placing a disproportionate burden on marginalized groups. That is why our long-term plan adopts a sustainable development approach that protects the environment, drives social equity and promotes economic prosperity.

Priority Areas

The Long-Term Plan is divided into six thematic areas:

1. Creating a SAFEcity

2. Promoting an ACCESSIBLE city

3. Creating a prosperous city where all enjoy SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

4. Celebrating our CULTURAL DIVERSITY, ARTS AND HERITAGE

5. Ensuring a more ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE city

6. Fostering a CARING AND EMPOWERING city

For each theme, a goal statement is provided to articulate the vision for the eThekwini Municipal Area for that theme.

This is followed by a set of short, medium and long-term targets to provide measurable indicators of our success in achieving the goal of each theme.

Further, each theme includes key strategies for achieving the goal of the theme.

Finally, a set of actions appears for implementing the strategies.

Why is long-term planning important?

Many people question the need for long-term planning. If we have so many problems now, the thinking goes, why should we plan for 50 years into the future?

The answer is that long-term planning does not suggest that we do not take action now.

Rather, it suggests that we ensure the actions we take today have a positive impact now and in the future. This is important and beneficial for several reasons:

Going Beyond Narrow Interests – Long-term planning provides a collective space for all citizens – even those traditionally in competition or opposition – to discuss opportunities for cooperative solutions to our shared challenges as a society.

Keeping with the Lifespan of City Infrastructure - Decisions we make now about the position of roads, sewage lines and electricity will have huge impacts on the city 50 years in the future and beyond.

Releasing Creativity - When we look at issues in the short term, our sense of urgency can make it difficult to think outside of the box to find innovative solutions. A long-term perspective gives us the space to think creatively and act strategically.

Confronting long-term Environmental, Economic and Social Trends– There are certain long-term trends that could have significant impacts on cities if they do not plan and respond to them adequately, including climate change, water shortages, peak oil, and worsened poverty and inequality. Having a long-term planning approach helps us develop more proactive strategies for addressing these issues.