Cape Town, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has recently achieved an impressive milestone. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that the city has broken its all-time record for municipal infrastructure spending in the 2022/23 financial year, with a total expenditure of R6.94 billion.
Transforming Budget Promises into Tangible Results
This accomplishment surpasses the previous record set during the FIFA World Cup infrastructure investment and demonstrates the city’s commitment to stimulating economic growth and job creation. In his address to the City Council, Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasized the significance of transforming budget promises into tangible results.
Top-Performing Departments
Among the top-performing departments in Cape Town were Human Settlements, Safety and Security, Water and Sanitation, and Energy. The city has allocated an R11 billion infrastructure budget for the 2023/24 period, aiming to increase spending by 41.5% compared to the previous year and by 134% over three years, with a total projected expenditure of R43 billion.
Job Creation and Economic Benefits
This substantial investment in infrastructure is expected to generate 135,000 direct job opportunities within Cape Town, not to mention the broader economic benefits. The city has already witnessed four consecutive quarters of job growth, reaching an all-time high of 1.7 million people employed, with 279,000 new jobs created over the past year.
Fostering Economic Advancement
Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation for the city’s future, attracting investors and businesses, and fostering a thriving environment for growth. According to him, 74% of the R11 billion infrastructure budget for 2023/24 will directly benefit lower-income households, fostering economic advancement in areas like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
Vital Infrastructure Investments
As South Africa faces the collapse of vital infrastructure across its major cities, including sewer, electricity, and road systems, it becomes increasingly crucial for municipalities to ramp up their infrastructure investments. Mayor Hill-Lewis warned of the potential dangers associated with neglecting and failing to maintain these essential services.
Significant Strides
The mayor’s administration has already made significant strides in various projects during its first full financial year. Among these achievements are initiatives to combat load-shedding, the Potsdam extension and upgrade project, improvements in sewage pipe replacements and pump station upgrades, and the launch of a 24-hour highway patrol.
Small yet Meaningful Achievements
Small yet meaningful achievements have also been made, such as the repair of community swimming pools and the restoration of the old clock at City Hall. Through these investments and projects, Cape Town is demonstrating its commitment to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for its residents.
A Beacon of Hope
As the city continues to break records in infrastructure spending and strive for economic advancement, Cape Town is positioning itself as a beacon of hope and a model for other cities in South Africa and beyond.
