THE Inner City Charter Partnership Forum, a mechanism for community participation in the regeneration of the Johannesburg inner city is to be launched officially on 7 November.

"The City of Johannesburg wishes to work in a spirit of partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to accelerate the process of regenerating the inner city of Johannesburg," notes a report outlining the forum.

A preliminary list consisting of political and administrative representatives from the City, as well as nine ward committee members from the inner city, will sit on the forum, together with private sector stakeholders. Among these are non-governmental organisations, taxi associations, the residential development community, micro retailer associations and institutions of higher learning located in the inner city.

In all, it has 100 members. The report points out that inner city regeneration will be best achieved when the City works in close partnership with a wide range of stakeholders.

As the champion of the inner city's rebirth, the forum will monitor and evaluate the progress of programmes and action plans as stipulated in the Inner City Regeneration Charter. Quarterly reports on progress towards reaching charter commitments will be commissioned from an independent specialist.

"[The forum] gives stakeholders an opportunity to raise issues of concern and propose remedial actions."

It also becomes a platform to identify and build on areas of further common collaboration and action, the report states.

To be convened and chaired by Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, forum representatives will meet on a quarterly basis, starting this month. All its operating costs will be carried by the City of Johannesburg through existing allocations to the central strategy unit and public liaison department.

It will remain in place until the end of the executive mayor's term of office, in December 2010.

Source: Joburg.org.za