A record infrastructure development budget of nearly R11 billion has been tabled for Cape Town by mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Also read: City’s seven-fold budget increase to protect sewer pumps from loadshedding
According to the mayor, infrastructure spending will improve service delivery to poorer households as part of planning ahead for the expected population growth within a generation.
Residents have until Wednesday, 5 April, to comment on the draft budget before it becomes adopted for the 2023–24 financial year.
With an average growth rate of between two and four percent in the past five years, the city expects to double its population of nearly five million residents in the foreseeable future.
‘Investment that will not only serve the needs of Cape Townians today but will meet the requirements of a rapidly growing Cape Town,’ said the mayor. ‘Within a generation, this will be a metro of ten million people as more and more people choose to move here in search of a better life.’
‘We cannot let the prospect daunt us. We must plan for it now and build now with that future in mind. This year, we are tabling a capital expenditure budget of a record R10.9 billion.’
The city also aims to cushion its residents from the 18.4% Eskom tariff hikes due in April, and residents will be charged 17.6% with the city absorbing the shortfall.
The ultimate aim is to end loadshedding in the city by encouraging independent power producers.
‘Load shedding has already cost the city R390 million in the current financial year alone, including new generators, fuel, overtime, security and losses due to theft, vandalism and lower electricity sales. This budget includes R2.3 billion to end load shedding over the next three years,’ Hill-Lewis explains.
However, the ANC says it hopes this is not just an electioneering budget.
‘If you look at the electricity environment, the city is charging more than Eskom, and not every area is under the city, so the areas that are under Eskom are paying less, so the city cushioning is as good as none as they are paying more than Eskom,’ said ANC leader of opposition Banele Majingo.
‘Yes, the numbers are looking proper; that is what the DA constantly does,’ says Banzi Dambuza, the EFF whip in the city. ‘They make a nice presentation that does not filter to the people on the ground and that does not give what is expected of them to assist our people on the ground.’
CoCT is also proposing to spend R5.8 billion towards crime fighting and the addition of 85 new Metro police officers.
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Picture: @City of CT / Twitter
