Do you want to have a say in how your city is run, and be included in the process of shaping Cape Town’s future?

Then the City of Cape Town wants to hear from you.

The City is busy reviewing its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) until 2012, and is also calling on its 3,2 million residents to comment on its R23,8 billion draft budget.

The IDP is a blueprint of how the City plans to spend its money over the next five years. The IDP review is based on eight strategic focus areas: shared economic growth and development; sustainable urban infrastructure and services; energy efficiency; public transport systems; integrated human settlements; safety and security; health, social and community development; and good governance and regulatory reform.

“The City needs to make difficult choices and we seek guidance from our residents. For example, we have to match the amount of rates and tariffs we charge with the level of services needed in a city that is growing by around 80,000 people per year, and whose infrastructure is badly in need of maintenance and upgrades,” said Executive Mayor Helen Zille.

“After consulting widely with the public, we decided that the main focus area for our IDP should be infrastructure led economic growth. The number one priority to emerge from our public consultation process was a need for more jobs, especially for the poor.

“We have thus focused our efforts on creating a solid platform of urban infrastructure and services that will help existing investors become more productive, attract new investors and skilled workers to our city, grow the overall economy, and so create more jobs.

“The City currently faces a mixture of challenges and opportunities. These include the downward cycle of the global economy and the shortage of technical skills across South Africa. Rapid urbanisation in Cape Town means that for every family receiving a house now, 350 are still waiting.

“We are entering the last financial year ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and our investment of substantial funding from National and Provincial Government in new infrastructure is in full swing.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Cape Town for the event, and our residents will benefit from lasting improvements to services and infrastructure.

“These include a R2 billion upgrade to the airport, a R1.3 billion upgrade to public transport, over R1 billion worth of upgrades to major roads, around R1 billion in upgrades to electricity infrastructure, a R400 million upgrade to the central station, R1,2 billion for new trains, over R3 billion for a new world class stadium, and multi-million rand upgrades to facilities such as Philippi Stadium, Athlone Stadium, Green Point Common and the Grand Parade in the CBD.

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

“Cape Town is South Africa's third-largest city and an important gateway to regional, provincial and national development. The city is home to 66% of the Western Cape’s population, generates 76% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 11% of the national GDP,” says City Manager Achmat Ebrahim.

“The IDP and draft budget are aimed at building a prosperous city, providing effective and equitable service delivery, and ensuring a well-governed and efficient administration.
“Public input is crucial for the finalisation of our draft Budget and IDP. We invite all Capetonians to get involved in planning for Cape Town’s future,” he says.

The IDP and draft budget can be viewed at the Cape Town Civic Centre, and at all City libraries and subcouncil offices.

Written submissions can be posted before 30 April 2009 to the City Manager at Private Bag X9181, Cape Town 8000 or by fax to 021 400 1332.

Those wishing to make a presentation at their local subcouncil meeting may book a time slot with their local subcouncil office. Dates and venues for April have been advertised.

For more information, please contact the IDP Office -
tel: 0860 103 089 or
fax: 021 400 4909 or
e-mail: idp@capetown.gov.za