LATEST NEWS
THE INFRATRUCTURE THAT POWERS CAPE TOWN’S ECONOMY
28 June 2022
As gorgeous as Cape Town is, it didn’t get the title of Best City in Africa for its looks alone. An efficient, world-class infrastructure backs its robust economy, making it as hardworking as it is glamorous and the ideal destination to work, play and live.
POWERHOUSE
The majority of Cape Town’s energy supply is created with coal and is bought from national utility Eskom. However, the city has announced its developing legislation to introduce renewable energy supplies to the system from independent power producers (IPPS).
This new source of reliable power promises to alleviate the pressure on business, allow for more jobs to be created and to better support the economy.
WATERWISE
After the severe drought that lasted from 2015 – 2017, the City of Cape Town has implemented an innovative and exciting water strategy that promises to stand-up to climate change effects, serve the people of the city better and enable and support the economy.
The strategy includes 5 different pillars of commitment, starting with Safe Access to Water and Sanitation which will assist both formal and informal settlements along with other stakeholders to improve daily water experience. Wise water use and conservation will be promoted through pricing, incentives, and management and sufficient reliable water from sustainable sources will be supplied by building affordable new capacity over the next 10 years.
Working with key stakeholders and partners like urban and agriculture water users in a collaborative process, will optimise economic benefits and investment in new infrastructure and allow Cape Town to transition to a Water Sensitive City.
MOVING FORWARD
Cape Town’s transport infrastructure is made up of rail, road, sea, and air and is a well-balanced combination of solutions for business, goods, people and services movement. Most of Cape Town’s exports are transported by sea and the city ships the largest volume of deciduous fruit and fish in the country.
The famous Cape Town harbour in the V&A Waterfront, as well as smaller fishing ports along the coast like Hout Bay and Kalk Bay, are responsible for the livelihood of full communities as well as that of international business.
Rail and road are key elements of the transport infrastructure and are used for delivery of goods, cold-chain supply, personal transport, and service delivery. The Metrorail is a well-used mode of public transport for Capetonians commuting from outlying suburbs to the city centre as well as students to schools and universities.
The MyCiti Rapid Transport System is another innovation in connecting the greater Cape Town area with its city centre – ideal for working professionals and tourists alike.
TRUE CONNECTION
An excellent connection is a non-negotiable for business and as the ‘most connected city in Africa’ Cape Town delivers with no compromise. Wi-Fi is easy to find due to the wide network of fibre-optic cables running across the city and the efficiency of this infrastructure in turn supports the growing trend of hybrid and remote working.
ART AT HEART
The first African city to be named a UNESCO City of Design, Cape Town is renowned for its celebration of culture, creativity, and innovation. Home to many theatres, galleries and museums including the ARTSCAPE theater and opera house, the Natural History Museum and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, the city is a vibrant, inspiring place for artists and art enthusiasts. Investment in spaces that champion design thinking – like the world class CTICC – ensures ongoing interest in the city from international bodies, influencers and businesses which help keep Cape Town on the map as a destination for forward-thinkers.
With effective connectivity, a hardworking transport system, innovative utility strategies all brightened with an inspiring design centre, the Mother City’s infrastructure is solid and on the up-and-up. The investment in these key areas shows, as property development booms and tourists flock to not only relax, but to work and to add to the start-up culture that Cape Town’s now famous for. Such positive gains in the most basic, but necessary areas of a well- functioning city signal incredible growth for Cape Town’s already exciting economy.
