The upgrading and building of new infrastructure in the City of Cape Town will be boosted by R325m this financial year.

This funding channelled through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) provides for current projects, some nearing completion, as well as new projects that will soon commence.

A total of R520m has been allocated to the Western Cape for MIG during this year.

In making the announcement at a briefing in Cape Town, Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister in the Western Cape, Pierre Uys, said government allocates funds from this conditional grant to support the City of Cape Town's capital budget with infrastructure projects such as the building and upgrading of roads, storm water drains, pipe lines, waste water works and bulk water provision.

"Our focus in allocating this funding is on providing support for infrastructure projects that primarily benefit poor households. Included amongst these are projects identified by the City's Integrated Development Plan," Uys said.

He added that an important and often overlooked aspect of the MIG process is the high level of intergovernmental cooperation involved in driving these projects to their conclusion. "This involves site visits by my department and regular financial reports.As provincial government, we have an oversight role and must ensure that the project complies not only with the criteria laid down for funding but also that the money is well-spent and within the period set down."

Uys also visited some projects that would have an impact on the daily lives of this community. First was an indoor swimming pool in Blue Downs of which R10m was funded by the MIG. The household community and swimming clubs are now able to use it recreationally or to practice and participate in club competitions. The MIG supplies all the funding for this project.

At Fisantekraal, Durbanville, new bulk infrastructure is underway with a pump station and pipeline for wastewater drainage. The MIG contributes R34,6m of the R80,2m project.

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