Budget Speech 2016The 2016 Budget: Government's Action PlanInvestment in cities and urban networks |
Cities are already taking steps to encourage higher land use density and inner city redevelopment, under the authority of the new Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act. This will unlock significant further private sector development potential across our cities, focussed on strategic corridors.
Bus rapid transit systems are operational and expanding in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town and George, and will be extended to Ekurhuleni and eThekwini this year. About R6 billion is allocated to this programme in 2016/17. Improvements to rail rolling stock and infrastructure will begin to improve the daily travel experience for commuters.
Associated with these transport investments, over 90 integrated land development projects valued at more than R130 billion are in progress to reshape our cities in partnership with the private sector.
• | In eThekwini, the Cornubia node comprises 25 000 housing units. An inner city regeneration programme is also underway, including projects at Bridge City, Centrum, the Point and the interconnecting corridor. |
• | In the Tembisa Corridor in Ekurhuleni, R6.5 billion in public investment will leverage R8 billion in private sector investment to deliver housing, commercial and office facilities. |
• | In Cape Town, the N2 Gateway housing programme is continuing, together with redevelopment of the Voortrekker Road Corridor, Conradie Hospital, the Athlone Power Station and other sites. |
• | In Tshwane, investments are focused on the Mabopane Station Hub which is the gateway to the north for more than 150 000 passengers a day and has an informal market accommodating approximately 2500 traders. |
• | In Manguang, the R2.6 billion mixed use Airport Development Node is in construction. An inner city residential development is planned and the Vista Park and Brandkop projects will yield over 8 500 housing units at a total development cost of over R1.9 billion. |
• | In Johannesburg, the “Corridors of Freedom” connecting Soweto, Alexandra, Sandton and the Johannesburg CDB bring together public transport improvements, social amenities and partnerships with property developers to increase settlement densities and improve social mobility. |