WSDP: MODULE 3
TOPIC 2: DEMOGRAPHICS
2. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES (DEMOGRAPHICS)
2.1. The total population
See Module 2: Topic 2 Demographics for more detail.
In 2011 the total population of Cape Town was estimated to be approximately 3.82 million
(City of Cape Town Stats. In terms of population trends, the population of Cape Town grew
by 36.4% between October 1996 and March 2007 and by 20.9% between October 2001 and
March 2007. In 2010 the estimated annual population growth was 3% (Demographic and
Socio-economic Characteristics of Cape Town report of April 2011).
2.2. The number of households
The estimated number of households in Cape Town in 2011 was 1 103 182 having risen
from 1 060 964 in 2010 (COCT Stats, 2011). The number of households is expected to
increase to about 1.45 million by 2019 (Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics of
Cape Town report of April 2011).
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2.2.1. Implementation Strategies: Service Level
Identified issues
Strategy
On a progressive
bases
provide
Basic
level
of
service
to
all
households
The strategy is to provide emergency levels of service to all informal
The
high
percentage of low
income families
It is an accepted that the way to slow down the natural population growth is
settlements and to move them up the “water ladder” over time, first to basic
levels and then when they are accommodated in the state housing schemes
to a full level of service.
to achieve an increase in average household income via economic growth.
A focus area in the IDP is a programme of infrastructure led economic
growth.
Keep
water
services affordable
Provide basic free water and an additional amount for indigent families. The
stepped tariff enables small users to pay
less and large uses pay an
increased amount. This encouraging water conservation and cross
subsidising small users.
By limiting city sprawl there will decrease in the cost of infrastructure to new
households in the city. SDF has identified particular high density corridors
Managing a limited
resource
Cape Town being a city in a water scares region and facing the threat of
climate change with all indications of progressive increase in average temp
over time. The strategy focuses on pressure management, reducing water
loses, effluent reuse and protection against ground water pollution.
Effective
Management
The customer profile is examined during the tariff exercise every year. As
the number of indigent consumers increases the extent of cross
subsidisation between the high and low users is increased.
Work is required in the following areas:
Clean up data on SAP system of the consumers in each category;
Maintenance of accurate annual records and determine the trends in the
consumer profile; Determine the split of wet to dry industrial consumer units.
Good governance and administration relies strongly on accuracy of
customer data, measurement and transparency.
There is strategic objective to look at verification of data and resource usage
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2.3. Health issues and informality
Historically Informal settlements occurred on un-serviced marginal land (in flood plains and
servitudes) although in recent times some infill sites have been targeted the trend continues.
This results in damp and often unsanitary conditions in many informal settlements providing
an ideal breeding environment for the bacteria.
Lack of sanitation; grey water pollution; grey water run-off from taps;
2.3.1. Implementation strategies: Health
Identified issues
Strategy
Grey water pollution
There is a project by the CSIR, the City and DWA to deal with grey water
in informal settlements. This takes the form of strategically located
surface water runoff interventions and treatment of water around
standpipes
The improved condition
of
communal
toilet
facilities
A number sanitation models have been put in place. These include
communal water borne, dehydration systems and porta potties.
On-going
education
Although technical solutions are important, the education of communities
on water and sanitation matters continues to be an important area for
intervention
community
2.4. Employment and Income
The structure of labour demand in Cape Town has not changed significantly. Total
employment remains dominated by the demand for skilled labour in the formal sector, with a
growing increase. The economy is also demanding fewer semi- and unskilled labour,
illustrated by both the decline in its value and contribution to total employment, as well as its
negative growth rate. The growing importance of the informal sector is also evident in its
increase to total employment levels and the highest average annual growth rate (Fact-Sheet,
Cape Town’s Economy, August 2011).
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2.4.1. Implementation strategies (employment and income)

Introduced Water Demand Management and Water Conservation initiatives to reduce
consumption and debt

Installation of water demand management devices to manage actual consumption and
reduce leakage

Employ and train community people in assisting in repairing of leaks and education
awareness

Writing-off of bad debt of indigent households on the agreement that they start paying
from then onwards

The City’s free basic services and Indigent Policies caters for a proportion of the
population not able to afford water and sanitation services
The proportion of the population who cannot afford water and sanitation is examined each
year during the budgeting and tariff setting process and tariffs are adjusted accordingly.
Households that cannot afford to pay can register with the City as Indigent. Water Leaks on
properties with a municipal value less than R300 000 (previous to 2008/09 R199 000) are
being dealt with through the Integrated Water Leaks Repair and Fixit Projects (a programme
to reduce the cost of residential leaks and to conserve water.
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