CAPE TOWN, Western Cape — Cape Town basic service delivery is facing unprecedented pressure as rapid urbanization and massive population growth continue to strain existing infrastructure across the city’s metros and townships. Annually, vast numbers of people migrate to the city in search of opportunity and better lives, a global trend that frequently outpaces municipal upgrades. According to the 2022 census, the Cape Town metro’s population is fast approaching the 5 million mark, representing a nearly 30% increase from the 2011 census.
In Khayelitsha, the city’s largest township, the sprawling landscape of built-up areas and informal settlements highlights these daily struggles. At the Vuyani Meat Market, 48 informal business owners operate in challenging conditions. Bulalwa Maxwela, the chairperson of the market, notes that while construction is underway to improve the area, they currently lack basic facilities, including bathrooms. As a grandmother and sole breadwinner raising three youngsters, she works long hours but faces severe challenges from crime. Maxwela reports that vandals frequently break into their containers and stalls at night, stealing scrap metal, tools, meat, and sauces, and even breaking fridges across the 20 stalls.
Fellow business owner Xolelani Magwebu echoes the difficulty of earning a living in the area. Although a road is under construction, the immediate disruption deters customers. He points out that heavy rains block the streets and drainage trucks fail to arrive, leaving residents struggling. Magwebu also expressed frustration with political cycles, noting that politicians promise extensive improvements during voting seasons, but little happens afterward.
Addressing the municipal response, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis states that the lion’s share of the infrastructure budget is allocated to water and sewage systems, which are under tremendous pressure due to the city’s continued growth. The mayor highlighted significant investments in upgrading the system by replacing old pipes and fixing pump stations. As a result, sewer spills have dropped by 33%, and pump station failures are down by 60%. Hill-Lewis noted that these improvements allow the city to install more flush toilets, bringing greater dignity to informal settlements.
However, challenges persist in other rapidly expanding townships like Dunoon. Resident Nelly complained about the poor state of local services, describing the streets as very dirty with overflowing drains. She pointed out a lack of employment for street cleaning, which exacerbates the pollution. While Mayor Hill-Lewis acknowledged that city workers are on the ground daily and that township cleaning is steadily improving, he admitted the task remains immense and is not yet at the desired level.
Conversely, in Langa, one of the city’s oldest townships, residents in formal areas report noticeable improvements. Amanda Daniso praised the municipality, stating there are no blockages or drainage problems, the area is clean, well-lit, and safety is prioritized.
This improved safety has directly impacted local commerce. Nkanyezi Mivuyo, a young entrepreneur who runs a bicycle delivery service, noted that the deployment of more police has made the township much safer, allowing him to walk and work without the fear of being robbed.
Despite these localized successes, Mayor Hill-Lewis identifies crime as the greatest challenge to service delivery. He explained that infrastructure projects are frequently halted in poorer communities where services are most needed. The city is now forced to use law enforcement to escort basic services, such as refuse collection. The second major issue is the destruction and theft of basic infrastructure, including metal and cables. Furthermore, the mayor highlighted the difficult financial balance of deploying more resources—such as additional cleaning teams and trucks—without infinitely raising controversial city charges.
Looking toward the broader needs of the city, Mivuyo expressed concern for the thousands of people still living in informal settlements. He specifically highlighted the Joe Slovo area, noting that while general water supplies are fine, the local water taps are unclean and insufficient. He urged the government to provide more clean taps and electricity to improve living conditions for the most vulnerable.
Acknowledging that rapid urbanization and mushrooming informal settlements are challenges facing all metropolitan areas, Mayor Hill-Lewis concluded that the only sustainable solution is to continuously invest in new, better infrastructure to build a fully functioning city.
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