Cape Town is set to outspend all three Gauteng metros on infrastructure, with a R120bn pipeline aimed at boosting services, jobs and economic growth.
Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city is on track to achieve higher infrastructure investment than Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni combined, according to the latest City Infrastructure Report.
Cape Town’s 10-year infrastructure pipeline totals R120 billion, with around 130,000 construction-related jobs expected during the current term of office and an estimated R17 billion economic impact.
To meet the needs of a growing population, the City has significantly increased capital spending. The draft 2027/28 capital budget stands at R14.7 billion, more than double the R6.9 billion allocated in 2022/23. By 2027/28, Cape Town’s capital budget is projected to exceed the combined R14.4 billion budgets of the three Gauteng metros.
Investment breakdown
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45% – Basic services (water, sanitation, energy)
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18% – Transport
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11% – Housing
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8% – Public spaces and amenities
The City says 75% of its infrastructure budget over the next three years will directly benefit lower-income households, targeting improved access to water, sanitation, transport and community facilities.
Outpacing Gauteng metros
Cape Town’s infrastructure spend is already surpassing its counterparts:
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R25.7 billion spent (2022/23–2024/25) vs R22.8 billion for Johannesburg and Tshwane combined
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Pro-poor spending alone (R10 billion) exceeds Johannesburg’s total capital budget (R8.7 billion) in 2025/26
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The City is on track to outspend all three Gauteng metros combined over the current term
One of the most significant gaps is in water infrastructure.
In 2024/25, Cape Town replaced three times more water and sewer pipes than Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni combined.
Total pipe replacement (2022–2025):
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Cape Town: 401 km
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Johannesburg: 98 km
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Tshwane: 58 km
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Ekurhuleni: 26 km
Key infrastructure programmes
Transport:
The MyCiTi expansion remains the City’s largest public transport project, connecting Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and other communities to key economic nodes. Additional investments include road upgrades, congestion relief and stormwater systems.
Water and Sanitation:
The New Water Programme aims to increase supply by 70–100 million litres per day, alongside major wastewater upgrades and network improvements to support long-term growth.
Energy:
Cape Town is investing in a more resilient, decentralised and lower-carbon energy system, including generation projects, grid upgrades and energy efficiency initiatives.
Waste:
Landfill capacity is being expanded, including projects at Coastal Park and Vissershok, with new facilities planned through to 2036.
Pro-poor investment highlights (2025/26)
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R4.5 billion – MyCiTi expansion
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R2 billion – Pipe replacement programme
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R3.5 billion – Road upgrades and congestion relief
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R3.4 billion – Informal settlement upgrades
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R1 billion – Street lighting upgrades
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R4 billion – Zandvliet wastewater treatment upgrade
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R397 million – Public transport station upgrades
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R272 million – Informal trading infrastructure
The City says its infrastructure strategy is focused on long-term resilience, improved service delivery and inclusive growth, particularly in rapidly expanding lower-income communities.
