City unveils 25-year vision for Cape Town's future

THE City of Cape Town wants its murder rate cut to 25 per 100000 people, its economy to grow by 110%, and 50000 housing opportunities created each year — but residents may have to wait 25 years for it.

- BRANDON NEL and MURRAY SWART

That target was set in the Mother City’s long-term plan. The document spelt out how the metro hoped Cape Town would look and function a quarter of a century later. And though critics, experts and stakeholders said they were happy with the plans, many told this publication that it was sad that residents would have to wait decades before seeing safer streets, shorter commutes and housing closer to work.

The plan was adopted after a round of public participation and was tabled to the mayoral portfolio committee this week.

The City said since it had been 25 years after the formation of the “unicity” it was the right time.

The document said: “In 2050, Cape Town will be a thriving city of hope where all its residents can experience freedom, opportunity and dignity.”