City Will Provide Basic Services To Slum Dwellers

The mayor of Cape Town, South Africa, has announced a plan to provide water, lighting, and sanitation to all of the city's densely-packed slum dwellers.

1 minute read

May 24, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The plan, which would see every household given access to water, sanitation and area lighting, would cost 63.4-million Rand (about $9 million)."

"The city has priority ranked every settlement in terms of factors including length of settlement, flooding and fire risk and the availability of water and sanitation."

"The list shows that 47,166 of the 135,693 households need to the relocated, some of them because shacks are so closely packed that there is no way to provide services."

"The plan calls for it to be 'de-densified' by 3,064 of its current 5,460 dwellings, but Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille said this would be accomplished by consultation, in a process "completely different" from forced removals."

"She said a later phase of the plan would involve fully formalising the settlements by providing security of tenure and assisting with the completion of homes."

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 in Mail & Guardian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog