New Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato’s Vision for the Mother City

Dan Plato has been elected as Cape Town’s new mayor during a special council sitting on Tuesday… and has already outlined his vision for the Mother City.

Plato clinched the top spot by a majority, receiving 146 votes in council. His election follows the stepping down by former mayor Patricia De Lille.

Plato thanked those who put trust in him and said he will need “the support of everyone who shares this city’s vision. Let me repeat that vision now: we are focused on delivering quality services to all residents,” said Plato.

1. Increase Policing

In his first address to the council, Plato called for increased policing in the City of Cape Town… which currently sees an average of only one police officer per 560 people, compared to the rest of the country which has one police officer for every 369 people.

2. Tourism

On tourism, Plato said Cape Town should be proud of the many accolades it has achieved in this sector.

Tourism is a R24 billion industry for the Western Cape, much of which benefits the City of Cape Town.

The industry continues to be a major employer for the city, with more than 217 000 jobs created in the Western Cape.

“I want to thank all the hotel staff, the waiters and the coffee baristas, the bus drivers and the tour guides, and everyone else in Cape Town for your friendliness and welcoming the world to Cape Town,” he said.

3. Reduce water restrictions and Tariffs

“I do believe though that with the progress we have made in saving water and the good rainfall we received over the winter, there is room to look at the current tariffs and see where we can bring some relief to our residents.

“We hope by next month to be in a position to further reduce our restriction levels, and the accompanying tariffs,” said Plato.

4. Urbanisation and Increase Adequate Housing

Plato said there was a need to address the legacy of apartheid spatial planning in the city.

“Many of our residents need adequate housing but the rapid urbanisation experienced in Cape Town, is made even more challenging due to the legacy of apartheid spatial design.

“Our residents need housing where job opportunities are available,” he said.

The newly elected mayor is no stranger to the office after having briefly taken over the reins from Helen Zille back in 2009. He held the position until 2011.

– SAnews.gov.za

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