The City of Cape Town’s draft budget for the next financial year, starting on 1 July 2019, amounts to R49 billion and is currently available for public comment.

Up to R593,1 million has been allocated to the Directorate: Spatial Planning and Environment for operations, and a further R69,2 million for the implementation of capital projects in the 2019/20 financial year.

‘The upgrade of Fisherman’s Lane on the False Bay coastline and the Seaforth coastal precinct near Simon’s Town in the Far South, are two of the most important capital projects we’ll be undertaking over the medium-term,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.

Officials within the Coastal Management Department have already started with the planning of these projects and professional service providers will be appointed before the end of June 2019, if all goes as planned.

‘We’ve allocated about R25 million for the upgrade of the coastal infrastructure at Fisherman’s Lane. The spring tides and wave action have left its mark on this popular fishing spot that has been a huge attraction to fisherman from all over the city. They’ve been visiting Fisherman’s Lane for decades, armed with rods and bait and loads of patience, hoping to catch line fish. It’s high time that we restore and protect this area for future generations and I want to add that I’ll personally monitor the progress of this project. The City will make more information available about the planned upgrades within the next week or so,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

The Seaforth Beach precinct is the gateway to the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, one of Cape Town’s major tourist attractions in the Far South.

‘We’ve allocated R9 million for upgrades to this area. At least a million tourists flock to this beach each year to observe the comings and goings of the African penguins. We’ll be upgrading the terraced grassed area, the pathways and access points to the beach.

‘We’ve also planned improvements to the parking area and interventions to improve the traffic flow and to make it more convenient and safe for pedestrians,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

Other highlights from the directorate’s draft budget are as follows:

• Upgrades and improvements to the value of R9,8 million to the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West. Among the improvements is the construction of a multipurpose centre for environmental education, meetings and to service the community. The facility will feature green building design and technology such as recyclable material and renewable energy sources. It is due for completion by April 2021 and will accommodate about 120 people
• R3,2 million for the local area priority initiative in Bontehuwel and Bishop Lavis; and
• R4 million for the demolition of derelict coastal infrastructure at the Strand, Macassar, Monwabisi, Witsands and Table View, among others.

‘With this resource allocation in the budget the City is honouring its undertaking to have a focused and holistic approach to our coastline. Investment in projects along our coastline will strengthen our resilience in dealing with the impact of climate change and also unlock economic opportunities for local communities. Apart from the temporary job opportunities, these projects will also facilitate private investment while ensuring open and improved access to our beaches,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

Residents can view the City’s draft budget at their nearest subcouncil office or online at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.
 
 
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