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IOL News
3 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Urgent R32 million budget for water security in the Western Cape
Anton Bredell, Western Cape's local government and environmental affairs minister, backing a bold R32 million push to upgrade ageing water infrastructure and secure the province's future supply. Image: Independent Newspapers Archive In response to mounting climate pressures and growing demands on municipal services, the Western Cape Government has committed R32 million in the 2025/26 financial year to assist local municipalities with critical water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades. Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, announced the allocation during a panel discussion on food and water security at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on June 2. Bredell painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the province. 'We also have the added complexity of poverty, inequality and a fast-growing population,' he said. 'These socio-economic dynamics make it very challenging to plan, budget and construct the water and wastewater infrastructure we need to provide future water security in our region.' The R32 million allocation for the 2025/26 financial year will be used to support municipalities as they upgrade and expand critical infrastructure, a move seen as urgent given the province's limited potential for new bulk water storage facilities. Bredell said there are only limited opportunities for additional bulk water storage in the Western Cape, and as such, future water security will have to come from improved supply and demand management, alternative sources such as groundwater, the re-use of water, and desalination. While the Western Cape boasts the lowest per capita water use in the country, at 160 litres per person per day, compared to the national average of 216 litres, much of that water is lost or unaccounted for. According to Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Minister Bredell, the Western Cape manages to generate revenue from 70.4% of water supplied to consumers, meaning that 30% of water is either lost in the system, or it was delivered to a consumer without generating any revenue. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "A portion of the non-revenue water is water supplied free of charge to poor and vulnerable residents. This is part of a dignity basket which also includes a set amount of free electricity and other basic municipal services," said Kriel. Bredell said the current national threshold of free water is no longer realistic. 'Our research on what constitutes water dignity found that the current 6 kilolitres a month per household, as prescribed in South African legislation, is not sufficient, and it should be much higher, at 15 kilolitres per household,' he said. 'These findings raise serious questions on our approach to water management in South Africa and especially in our local governments where rate payers are being pushed to pay more for services to also help subsidise the dignity basket to an increasing number of indigent households.' Kriel confirmed the provincial support, saying; 'The Western Cape Government is budgeting R32 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support municipalities with water and wastewater infrastructure projects.' IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Accused of driving Malays from cities under guise of urban renewal, Nga Kor Ming says it's about rescuing the poor
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming denies claims that the Urban Renewal Bill will push urban Malays out of the cities. The minister has been on the receiving end of a firing squad that has taken aim against the proposed law to redevelop ageing buildings and improve living conditions – especially for low-income urban communities – and which has at times, turned into a personal attack. 'These are all slanderers with nothing better to do. 'They say the original residents will be kicked out — this is all falsehood,' Nga told Malay newspaper Mingguan Malaysia in an interview published today. He was also asked, point black, if the proposal was a subtle eviction of Malays. 'No. What do I gain by evicting people? Developers prefer buying their own land – it's faster and cheaper than negotiating endlessly with residents. 'Buildings, like people, have a lifespan. Wiring doesn't last forever. We're not obligated to help, but as part of the Madani Government, we sincerely want to help,' he replied. He highlighted that just as the country will mark 70 years of independence in 2027, buildings, like people, age. Some buildings, Nga said, are so unsafe that people sleep outside in dangerous conditions. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the proposed Urban Renewal Act is not an attempt at evicting the Malays but rescuing urban poor communities. — Bernama pic 'I did an expedition with MPs and the media. Some people sleep beside their houses, with pythons. Can you accept this?' he asked in the interview. The minister emphasised that redevelopment under the proposed Urban Renewal Act is designed to help, not displace residents. 'I already asked DBKL to give them PPR application forms for free. But why are Opposition parties blocking them from getting help?' he asked. DBKL refers to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall while PPR refers to the People's Housing Programme in Malay. Nga said the government plans to reduce the requirement for redevelopment consent from 100 per cent to 80 per cent — a move aligned with global best practices. 'In Tokyo it's 66 per cent. In Shanghai, two-thirds. Even in Singapore it's 80 per cent,' he pointed out. He added that land ownership and legal statuses will remain untouched. 'If your house is on Malay reserve land, then it remains Malay reserve. If it's a 99-year leasehold, it remains a 99-year leasehold.' Compensation, he said, will always be higher than current property values, based on official assessment by the Valuation and Property Services Department. 'We are not taking homes. We are offering compensation, and it must be more than the existing value,' he was quoted as saying Nga cited Kampung Kerinchi in Kuala Lumpur as an example of successful renewal. He noted that the old PPR flats had measured about 400 square feet and was worth about RM70,000. But after renewal, each flat unit more than doubled their size to 850 square feet, could accommodate three rooms and could be priced more than six-fold, about RM450,000. Nga urged Malaysians not to fall for racial rhetoric surrounding the Bill. 'If there are Opposition parties playing the race card, this is the biggest lie in the history of human civilisation. 'Usually, only bankrupt political parties with no ideas will resort to racial sentiments,' he told the weekend edition of Utusan Malaysia.
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Burns Harbor trail efforts earn Marquette Greenway award
The nonprofit Greenways Foundation recently gave Burns Harbor its Outstanding Local Government award for its work on the Marquette Greenway. The Greenways Foundation champions Indiana's trail networks and highlights leadership and trail projects across the state. Mitch Barloga, trail czar at the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and the foundation's board president, called Burns Harbor 'plucky' for its 'huge commitment to this quality of life issue.' 'Burns Harbor is a great example of how these trails can improve community stature in the region,' he said. Through the Town Council and the Redevelopment Commission, guided by consultant Tina Rongers, the town has been aggressive in building sections of the trail. 'It might be one of the nicest parts of the trail through there,' Barloga said. A section of the trail opened last year winds through an open area where the town hopes to attract a developer to bring residential and commercial development to the small town. 'It's really exciting to have the trail as a centerpiece for this,' Redevelopment Commission President Roseann Bozak said. 'Not many other towns and cities along the Marquette Greenway had the benefit of getting the trail first and being able to bring that into the development.' That's a good example of trail-oriented development, Barloga said. 'They really leaned into that heavily with this development.' 'We are still working on the final piece in Burns Harbor that will connect to the town of Porter,' Bozak said. 'We're really excited about that collaboration. It's not often that we get to collaborate with neighboring towns. Hopefully, this opens the doors to more collaboration in the future.' 'I believe the construction on this should begin in the fall, providing there are no hiccups along the way,' Bozak said. 'It's been a community ahead of the curve when it comes to quality-of-life issues,' Barloga said. Bozak said the award is appreciated. 'The town has had so many ups and downs in the past few years. It's really nice to see the hard work get recognized and rewarded.' Town Council President Jennifer McHargue said in a news release that the trail has been popular, improving the health of walkers and bikers. 'We are proud to offer regional trail amenities that people can enjoy just in town or venture into neighboring communities along southern Lake Michigan,' she said. When completed, the 60-mile trail will stretch from Chicago's South Side to New Buffalo. For Burns Harbor, funding the trail sections has been challenging. In 2014, the town began using tax increment financing to fund new planning and infrastructure projects. The town's master plan identified the Marquette Greenway as a key project. In 2017, the RDC received a $7 million state transportation grant to build the trail. However, the town couldn't gain right-of-way access from Norfolk Southern, so the town changed gears and used money from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Transportation. Between 2019 and 2021, Burns Harbor built the 1.5-mile segment from the western edge of town to Ind. 149, by Town Hall. The phase opened last year stretches from Ind. 149 to Indiana Dunes National Park. 'Collaboration and celebration are keys to our success,' Bozak said. 'In Burns Harbor, we persevere in the face of challenges because we love our community, which is our home. We are raising our families here and building amenities like trails in hopes the next generation of residents will stay and raise their families, too,' she said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Huge £100million beachfront attraction with indoor forests and treehouses forced to delay opening date
THE Eden Project in Morecambe has been pushed back by two years with an even later opening date, The new project costing £100m was expected to open in 2026, but work on the attraction is yet to start. 5 With changes still being made on the design details, Eden Project Morecambe is now expected to open in 2028 - two years later than originally planned. According to the BBC, Local Government Minister Alex Norris confirmed all allocated funding for the project would be in place by early 2026, when building work is likely to get under way. Despite the delay, an updated report has said that "work has been progressing". There will also be a big meeting on June 4 to discuss the Eden Project with Lancaster City Council's budget and performance panel. The Eden Project Morecambe was first given official government approval back in March 2023. It also secured £50million in Levelling Up funding to allow work to commence on the £100million project. The project was originally named Eden Project North, and the hope was that it would have the same success as the Eden Project in Cornwall, which opened in 2001. Plans for the site are very impressive, showing three huge egg-shaped structures looking over the bay. Other images of the potential site reveal walkways linking treehouses, as well as other wooden structures. Once completed, the new Eden Project will be home to a "hyper-real forest" with large installations and immersive theatre. The new £130million Eden Project attraction set to open in the UK 5 The plans also reveal a "Bay Glade" with a well-being landscape and a Natural Observatory for research and education. There will also be an exhibition area and meeting point for guests named the Bay Hall. The attraction will also have children's play areas, restaurants, cafes and a gift shop. The Eden Project website states: " Eden Project Morecambe will be a destination that combines indoor and outdoor experiences, connecting people with the internationally-significant natural environment of Morecambe Bay while also enhancing wellbeing. "Eden Project Morecambe will combine exhibits, performance, learning, play, immersive experiences, world-class horticulture, live music, art, food, beverage and retail spaces, all integrated as essential parts of the overall experience." 5 The site in Morecambe isn't the only one set to open in the UK, there's plans to build another Eden Project in Dundee. The Eden Project Dundee was also expected to open in 2026, but has been pushed back to 2030. The attraction is set to be built along the River Tay and attract as many as 500,000 tourists a year. Another Eden Project set to open is in Londonderry. This one is set to open this year - two years after the original opening date. The Eden Project Foyle in Northern Ireland is costing an estimated £67million and is set to have the biggest undercover play area in Europe. The main attraction will be the Acorn, a "performance area and play space" connected by walkway, with the entire site being the largest undercover play area in Europe. This includes zip wires, rope bridges, slides, floating boardwalks and paths on the roof that both adults and children can walk along. Here's more on Morecambe Bay - which got a huge boost from top ITV show. And a historic UK attraction you can visit now that was named the best in the country by Which?
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Enrolled in govt schools: KP CM decides to provide furniture to students
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has decided that students enrolled in government schools will be provided with furniture under the ongoing educational emergency. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the provision of furniture to every government school is completed during the next fiscal year adding that no students in public sector should sit on floor owing to unavailability of furniture. The Chief Minister issued these directives while chairing a meeting here on Sunday to finalize the Annual Development Programme of the upcoming financial year. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, Muzammil Aslam, and Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah Khan, and administrative secretaries of relevant departments. He further stated that all required funds for the provision of school furniture will be made available on a priority basis. Highlighting the government's commitment to improving basic facilities, the Chief Minister emphasized that access to proper furniture, functional washrooms, and clean drinking water in government schools is a top priority and that there will be no compromise on these essentials. The Chief Minister has also instructed that a special program be launched to improve the quality of education in government schools further directing that modern training be provided to teachers and that such training be made mandatory for all newly recruited educators. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on development proposals submitted by various departments, including Planning, Communications, Local Government, Education, Health, Irrigation, and Water Supply. Each proposed project was individually reviewed and finalized for inclusion in the upcoming development program. Speaking to the participants, the Chief Minister said the new ADP will be a visionary document, laying the foundation for the province's development agenda over the next four years. The plan will incorporate input from elected public representatives and prioritize projects based on the actual needs of communities across different regions. He added that the ADP would include solid and practical projects serving broad public interests, with the majority of next year's development funds allocated to completing ongoing projects. Projects with over 80% progress will be completed within the next year, while approximately 50% of other ongoing projects are also expected to reach completion in the same period. The Chief Minister stressed that the new ADP will be realistic and aligned with the genuine needs of the public. 'We will not pursue superficial progress while leaving essential needs behind,' he said. 'We will ensure the wise and effective use of taxpayers' money.' Declaring that 'every constituency in the province is my constituency,' the Chief Minister pledged there would be no discrimination in the allocation of development projects. He assured that special attention would be given to uplifting underdeveloped regions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
