| City calls on residents and professionals to assist with new local development plans for Cape Town | The City of Cape Town will, over the next few months, review the eight district plans which guide spatial development and land use management on a local level. | <p>The existing spatial development plans for the eight districts, namely the Cape Flats; Helderberg; Blaauwberg; Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Greater Blue Downs; Tygerberg; Table Bay; Northern; and Southern, were approved by the City Council in 2012. These plans must be reviewed and aligned with the revised Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) that was approved by Council in April last year, the City’s new spatial policies, as well as with other updated legislation.</p><p>The review is also an opportunity to assess the outcome of existing policies, among which those relating to parking and densification.</p><p>Residents, residents’ organisations, business, and stakeholders in the development sphere are encouraged to participate in this process which is to kick off within the next few weeks.</p><p>‘We want residents and stakeholders to be involved with the review of the district plans from the very beginning. Land use and the developments that give effect to these rights have a direct impact on neighbourhoods and those who live and work there. Also, residents have a very good idea of what is needed within their communities – be it development that will assist with job creation, housing, public transport, or public services. This is why I’m encouraging residents to participate in this process. Councillors, community leaders, residents’ associations, and professionals in the development sector are also invited to contribute to the discussions,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.</p><p>The City is focused on creating an environment that will harness and spur economic growth and job creation and assisting those who need it the most.</p><p>‘The package of spatial plans we will now be reviewing must guide the implementation of this vision. The eight district plans should depict our future living environment. To this end, each and every Capetonian who contributes to this process will take part in the planning of what their living environment will look like in future,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.<br> <br>The MSDF guide and inform long-term planning and development in Cape Town on a macro level, whereas the district plans address development on a district level.</p><p>‘The district plans must address redevelopment and development on a local level. Formal and informal areas will get the same attention during the review process so that we can improve the urban environment and fully realise the development potential of every district. This time around we want to create district plans with more detail about the type of development we want to encourage and pursue in the eight districts. </p><p>‘For instance, we need plans that will address the development needs in precincts or neighbourhoods, and that will indicate where intervention is needed to facilitate economic growth and enhance the living environment. The plans must also indicate interventions to change the land use or urban form; and must tell us what key infrastructure is needed to enable development in areas that have been prioritised,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.</p><p><strong>A district plan is an important planning document:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">It determines the strategic priorities specific to a geographical area</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Identifies important spatial elements within each district, and depicts areas in need of restructuring and integration</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Provides more certainty to developers, communities, and City directorates</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Informs decisions about land use</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Enables spatial transformation in a managed and coordinated manner</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Creates opportunities for development</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Provides detailed information about the population growth and development trends on a local area level</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">It ensures that climate change is being dealt with on a district level</div></li></ul><p>‘City officials have already started with a detailed analysis to determine the population growth in each district, private sector development trends, and where we have invested public money since 2012. Then we’re also doing an analysis of economic activity and employment trends; environmental factors that determine where developments may happen, must be constrained, or excluded; as well as about services infrastructure related to water, electricity, sewerage, stormwater, and transport – be it public, non-motorised, or private. </p><p>‘Furthermore, an analysis of the City-owned land in each district will inform decisions about future uses for example, whether the land is needed for new facilities, a park, or housing, or whether the land should be sold. The information that we derive from the analysis will assist the City to determine the needs and priorities in each district, and ultimately, also guide us when we deal with development and land use applications on a local level,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The district plans will have a strong focus on the local economy and how development and land use management can contribute to job creation and economic growth.</p><p>‘Residents’ living standards are very much determined and influenced by the state of our local economy. How we use our land and what we develop on our land can spur economic activity and have an impact on commuter costs, for example, what modes of transport commuters use, when they travel, and how far they need to travel between their homes and work. District plans will guide us to facilitate the right development at the right location so that the City can become more efficient and resilient in terms of how we use our resources, and to ensure our long-term financial sustainability. The review process is the ideal opportunity for residents to contribute with their comments and views,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p><p>The City will commence with the review process on 1 May 2019, when residents and interested and affected parties will have the opportunity to register to get access to the relevant documents, receive updates and information about meetings, and so forth. Registrations will be open until 1 June 2019, and can be done as follows:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Online, by visiting the following link: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay">www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">At any of the 24 subcouncil offices by completing a form</div></li></ul><p>‘The review process could take up to a year, if not longer. We want to ensure we include as many residents and stakeholders as possible, and that the reviewed district plans mirror the development needs and interventions on a local level. The success of the review process will rely on the extent to which we manage to capture residents’ dreams for a future Cape Town. Let’s all take part in creating plans that will make progress possible,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p><p> <br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2019-04-17T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City readies for a busy Easter weekend | The City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and emergency services have finalised operational plans designed to ensure public safety over the Easter long weekend. | <span>The City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and emergency services have finalised operational plans designed to ensure public safety over the Easter long weekend.<br>
<p>Numerous vehicle check points, roadblocks and crime prevention operations have been planned across the metropole to clamp down on drunk driving and anti-social behaviour, among others.</p>
<p>The law enforcement agencies will also be deployed to beaches and other public attractions to ensure a visible presence and deter would-be criminals.</p>
<p>The City’s Traffic Service will also spearhead a final push around Operation Exodus, which draws to a close on Thursday evening, as holidaymakers leave the city.</p>
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<br>The operation launched on Friday 12 April 2019 and focuses on driver and vehicle fitness of public transport operators. </p>
<p>The City’s vehicle examiners are conducting free safety checks on buses, midi and minibuses and trailers at the Joe Gqabi and Bellville public transport interchanges, as well as the Intercape and Greyhound bus depots.</p>
<p>‘Road safety is definitely one of our biggest focus areas over the Easter weekend, given the increase in traffic volumes in and out of the city, but also the high number of people who get behind the wheel drunk. I urge motorists to stay out of the driver’s seat if they’re tired or inebriated and to take regular breaks on their trips. Please also check that your vehicle is in sound condition before you embark on your journey, whether long distance or just around town. </p>
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<br>‘We will not hesitate to act against anyone found breaking the law or putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. So my appeal is that the public behave responsibly and make use of one of the many alternatives available to them if they insist on drinking while out. It is surely a better option than spending the long weekend behind bars,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p>
<p>The City’s Recreation and Parks Department too is putting in place plans to ensure safety at swimming pools, beaches and other public amenities.</p>
<p>Swimming pools will close to the public at the conclusion of the Easter weekend, except the four indoor facilities (Retreat, Strand, Long Street and Blue Downs) and the Sea Point swimming pool. In addition, the Mnandi swimming pool will remain open until the end of June 2019.</p>
<p>The contracts of beach lifeguards conclude on 30 April 2019. Lifeguards will be stationed at the following beaches over the Easter period: Kogel Bay, Gordon’s Bay, Harmony Park tidal pool, Strand, Macassar, Monwabisi, Mnandi, Blue Waters, Strandfontein beach and tidal pool, Sunrise beach, Muizenberg, St. James tidal pool, Danger beach, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay, Llandudno, Camps Bay beach and tidal pool, Maiden’s Cove, Clifton Fourth, Milnerton, Big Bay, Melkbosstrand, Silwerstroomstrand.</p>
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<p>‘While the weather has cooled considerably, our lifeguards will be on duty to safeguard beachgoers and visitors to our swimming pools this Easter weekend. I appeal to the public to please listen to the instructions of lifeguards and to swim only in designated areas. Alcohol use is another concern, and of course child safety. We need everyone to play their part in ensuring that it is a safe long weekend for all concerned by enjoying our public recreational spaces in a safe and responsible manner,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>The City reminds the public to please report any emergencies to the Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling <a>021 480 7700</a> from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.</p><p>
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| City advises of water supply disruptions in Blackheath Industrial and surrounding areas | The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Department will be performing essential work on the water infrastructure that will result in the disruption of the water supply. | <p>The work will result in the disruption of the water supply on Wednesday 17 April 2019 from 19:00 until 00:00. </p><p>Residents are kindly requested to store water in clean, sealed containers for use during this period.</p><p>All taps must be kept closed during this period to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.</p><p>The City apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused while conducting these emergency repairs.</p><p><strong>End</strong></p><br> | 2019-04-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City reminds residents of revenue service office closures over holiday period | Various City’s Revenue Department offices will be closed over the Easter holiday period and on Worker’s Day on 1 May 2019. | <p>The City of Cape Town would like to remind residents that the City’s Revenue Department offices, which include cash receiving, account enquires, motor vehicle registration and licencing, housing offices, traffic centres and municipal courts will be closed over the Easter holiday period and on Worker’s Day on 1 May 2019. </p><p><strong>The abovementioned closures will be applicable on: </strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Friday 19 to Monday 22 April 2019 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Saturday 27 April 2019 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Wednesday 1 May 2019 </div></li></ul><p>In addition, the cash office, account enquiries and motor vehicle registration and licencing offices that are situated in the <strong>Liberty Promenade Mall in Mitchells Plain will also be closed on:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Friday 19 April 2019 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Monday 22 April 2019 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Saturday 27 April 2019 </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Wednesday 1 May 2019 </div></li></ul><p>Payment of municipal accounts (excluding motor vehicle licences) may be made at any Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, PEP, Woolworths and selected Spar shops or at any branch of Nedbank and the Post Office.</p><p>Payment for the renewal of motor vehicle licences may be made online at <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/vehiclelicensing" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/vehiclelicensing</a></p><p>Payment of traffic fines before the due date may be made online at <a href="http://www.nedbank.co.za/" target="_blank">www.nedbank.co.za</a> (Nedbank clients only), <a href="http://www.standardbank.co.za/" target="_blank">www.standardbank.co.za</a> (Standard Bank clients only), <a href="http://www.fnb.co.za/" target="_blank">www.fnb.co.za</a> (FNB clients only) and <a href="http://www.paycity.co.za/" target="_blank">www.paycity.co.za</a>, or at the Post Office and selected Spar shops. </p><p>Standard Bank and FNB clients may also pay their pre-due date traffic fines at their respective ATMs.</p><p>‘The City of Cape Town encourages motorists and account holders not to wait to pay accounts or to renew their licences as queues may be longer due to the increased customer volumes. The City regrets any inconvenience caused,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson.</p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2019-04-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
