HAVING just completed a rigorous five-day programme, hosted by the National Treasury, that included top management from all metros in the country (with the exception of Mangaung) in Cape Town, we can attest that all share very much the same concerns.

Also read: Councillor André Beetge’s Ward 97 service updates

Load-shedding and the implications thereof rank top, closely followed by infrastructure failure in both the water and sanitation sector, in turn, coupled with excessive urbanisation and its related challenges, which include but are not contained to housing and employment demands, as well as increased crime statistics. The difference, however, is in the approach to address these very similar situations. Informal settlements are evident along the outskirts of the city with a large concentration in the densely populated areas of Mitchells Plain and the Cape Flats.

Load-shedding of eight to 10 hours in a 24-hour cycle is more the norm than the exception outside the eThekwini city gates, resulting in extensive reliance on solar, wind and other means of electricity. People were just amazed at the new proposed load-shedding schedule that takes effect from May 25.

While the official number of 6 000 homeless in Cape Town pales in comparison to 16 000 in eThekwini, Cape Town has shelter facilities in the region of 2 000 across the city, with an additional five ‘safe zones’ where they can use ablutions and put goods in safe overnight storage. This is opposed to eThekwini, where the first of a similar initiative is yet to be built – the funding is, instead, being re-prioritised in favour of purchasing tractors that were previously left unmaintained to the point of necessitating urgent replacement.

Lo and behold, taxis (and other road users) keep to the rules, which include speed limits – there are many speed-timing devices – or refrain from summarily stopping anytime or anywhere. Enforcement is done consistently across the board.

Possibly the most notable thing in Cape Town, besides that everything seems to work, is the positive attitude of the citizens. People are tolerant, courteous and participative in their communities. They do not litter. They pick up rubbish, recycle, cut their own verges, are actively involved in their neighbourhood watch and community police structures, work closely with the municipality and make a point of also reporting faults so the municipality can react.

Reporting is done on electronic platforms with actual updates to residents, which supports our argument that an informed public is a tolerant public.

The downside is that nothing, absolutely nothing, comes cheap in Cape Town. Last but certainly not least, absolutely nothing compares to our lovely weather and green surroundings. We do have the right to complain, but there is also just no place like home.

DID YOU KNOW?

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