City of Cape Town’s IDP looks at R12 billion boost from 2010

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA RELEASE

19 AUGUST 2009

City of Cape Town’s IDP looks at R12 billion boost from 2010

The City of Cape Town’s next review in its five-year planning process will, among others, look at the many benefits of the massive R12 billion boost in infrastructure flowing from the 2010 Soccer World Cup Tournament.

Cape Town’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is due for an annual review and the city’s 3,4 million residents have been asked to comment on the revised strategy for 2009/10.

“The City’s main goal is to promote infrastructure-led economic growth that will create jobs and draw investment to Cape Town,” says Executive Mayor, Dan Plato.

As one of the 2010 World Cup host cities, Cape Town has received a R12 billion investment boost and residents will benefit from lasting improvements to services and infrastructure.

These include the new stadium in Green Point, airport and rail link upgrades, road interchange upgrades and the roll-out of an Integrated Rapid Transit system.

“These investments will change the face of Cape Town for the better, and help us to promote further economic growth and job creation ahead of 2020,” says Mayor Plato.

“The City’s vision is to develop a prosperous city, rendering an effective and equitable service by an administration that is run effectively and efficiently. We need residents to tell us what kind of city they want to live and work in.

“We need public guidance on questions such as where to build, whether to densify our housing, where to direct developments, how to reduce our energy needs and how our transport systems should work.

“Houses, crime and jobs are the highest priorities for most of our residents, but these are not the City’s primary responsibilities.

“The municipality’s responsibilities include electricity, water, sanitation, refuse removal, primary health care at clinics, law enforcement of by-laws, managing disasters, roads, transport and stormwater, facilities, sport and recreation.

“Education, policing and housing on the other hand, are the responsibility of provincial and national government and the City’s role in these areas is limited to a supportive one,” says Mayor Plato.

The eight key focus areas in the IDP are: shared economic growth and development, sustainable urban infrastructure and services, energy for a sustainable city, public transport systems, integrated human settlements, safety and security, health, social and community development and good governance and regulatory reform.

The 2009/10 IDP review identifies key changes during the past year such as the global economic meltdown, the dire shortage of technical skills, rapid urbanisation and the sustainability of water and energy resources.

Public meetings have been arranged by the City’s IDP Department in all of its eight Planning Districts from 24 August to 14 September 2009.

The IDP document can be viewed at libraries and subcouncil offices, as well as on the City’s website www.capetown.gov.za (5Year Plan).

Comments can be e-mailed to idp@capetown.gov.za or faxed to 021 400 4909. The City has also introduced a SMS line. SMS idp followed by your short comment/question to 31766.

For more information, please call 021 400 9803.