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Cape Town seeks ideas to create a smart city

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 23 Jan 2018
Cape Town is exploring innovative ways to deliver on its objectives as an organisation.
Cape Town is exploring innovative ways to deliver on its objectives as an organisation.

The City of Cape Town has issued a request for ideas (RFI) calling on stakeholders to submit ideas detailing how it can use digital technology to deliver improved services to citizens.

Often hailed for its performance in the digital space, Cape Town's mayoral committee believes the city has to continuously explore innovative ways to deliver on its objectives as an organisation.

The issued RFI seeks information and ideas on any products, technologies or other offerings that could leverage existing infrastructure and data, according to the city.

One of the over-arching requirements is the formation of partnerships that will take advantage of the city's significant investment in optic fibre deployment, the CCTV camera network and WiFi connectivity.

Raelene Arendse, the city's mayoral committee member for corporate services, explains: "The global challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change, increased pressure on resources, and the provision of infrastructure and services all need to be addressed at the city level. The city believes there are technology-based solutions out there that can enhance service delivery and make economic growth for residents a real possibility.

"Thinking outside the box and developing these solutions will help us move this city from good to great."

The city points out that the areas of interest for innovative ideas include public safety, infrastructure planning and maintenance, energy efficiency, transportation and integrated urban development, as well as water and waste management.

In addition, ideas on how to use cloud computing technology as a disruptive model enabling clustered community commerce and addressing social challenges within these communities are also required.

Arendse adds: "We look forward to some brilliant ideas being shared with the city. Additionally, the creation of lasting partnerships will be welcomed as we work together to make Cape Town the most digitally connected city on the continent.

"As the city has the data and the digital technology available to enhance service delivery, let us make use of what's available to develop long-term solutions to enhance the lives of Capetonians," she notes.

Interested respondents can submit their ideas via the city's "Have Your Say" platform.

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