The City of Cape Town this week announced its plan to upgrade informal settlements in and around the city.
Mayco member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi said: “Several high value and large projects are underway across the metro. The upgrade projects have been ongoing for several years. All upgrade projects contain elements of de-densification as a way to create space to perform the upgrades.”
Booi confirmed that despite the plans underway, the City was facing challenges, including more illegal settlements exposing residents to health, safety, fire and flooding risks. The illegal settlements also put planned funds for upgrade projects under threat.
He added, “We cannot cater for all the new settlements at the expense of planned projects, service delivery and Covid-19 efforts.”
According to reports, R850 million has been earmarked in the City’s budget for upgrades to informal settlements and backyarder services.
