Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
A groundbreaking £21 billion infrastructure project in South Africa promises to create a modern, sustainable city that will serve as a vibrant hub for 500,000 residents. President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled plans for this ambitious smart city during his 2020 State of the Nation address, highlighting the development of a cutting-edge urban area near Lanseria Airport in Gauteng.
Known as the Lanseria Smart City, this bold initiative aims to provide a home for between 350,000 and 500,000 people in the next decade. The city’s foundation, initially proposed in 2007 under the name Cradle City, revolves around Lanseria International Airport, which serves the Johannesburg metropolitan area. The plan involves transforming the airport into a key economic engine for the region, with an estimated cost of 500 billion South African Rands (around £21 billion).
Lanseria Airport currently accommodates around 3.5 million passengers annually, but with major upgrades, officials aim to increase this to 18 to 20 million passengers per year. The city will prioritize walkability, reducing residents’ reliance on vehicles, while providing state-of-the-art infrastructure including high-speed broadband, Wi-Fi, and information networks to support both business and personal connectivity.
A key component of the city’s development is its focus on sustainability and technological advancement. The goal is to create an “integrated urban ecosystem” that enhances quality of life through innovative urban design, efficient transport links, and sustainable practices. The introduction of a high-tech water-treatment plant is set to begin in October, with the facility designed to produce two megalitres per day (2MLD) to address the region’s water infrastructure needs while minimizing environmental impact.
The project, which will take about 25 years to complete once construction is fully underway, is spearheaded by property investment firm Crosspoint, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. The development includes the Lanseria Business District, a 90-hectare mixed-use commercial area, developed in partnership with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).
However, despite the city’s potential, the project is still in its early stages, with the City of Johannesburg only adopting the provincial government’s plans in May 2021. Significant investments in bulk infrastructure are still required before construction can begin in earnest. The first phase of the Greater Lanseria Master Plan, which includes the high-tech city, has been completed, but the full realization of the smart city will require sustained funding and development.
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