City of Cape Town 2026/27 Draft Budget

Subject: Formal Submission: Comments on City of Cape Town Draft Budget 2026/2027

FROM: Highbury Foundation civic association

TO: Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za CC: Johannes.VanDerMerwe@capetown.gov.za

Dear Sir/Madam,

SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT BUDGET 2026/2027

The following comments are formally submitted for consideration regarding the 2026/2027 Draft Budget. These submissions are aligned with the City’s review of the IDP and Annexure 25 of the Draft Budget.

1. Department of Urban Mobility: Traffic Congestion Mitigation

1.1 Erica Drive Extension

The Erica Drive Extension—extending from Belhar, crossing the R300 to join Belhar Road through Sarepta, Kalkfontein, and Highbury—is a critical artery required to alleviate the severe congestion currently experienced on the M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road and New Nooiensfontein Road.

Proposal: Provision should be made in the capital budget for this project, particularly in light of the planned housing developments at Sunbird Park and Kalkfontein. The City’s own report, "Congestion in the Kuilsrivier Area," validates the urgency of this infrastructure requirement.

1.2 New Nooiensfontein Road Corridor

There is a notable lack of dedicated capital expenditure for traffic-alleviating infrastructure along the New Nooiensfontein Road (NNR) corridor. Over the past three years, traffic flow between Stellenbosch Arterial and Van Riebeeck Road has become unsustainable during peak periods (06:00–08:30, 13:30–14:30, and 16:00–18:30). The road infrastructure has remained unchanged for 25 years despite rapid residential densification, the presence of five schools, numerous ECD centres, and the WCED Metro East District office within a 1km radius. Furthermore, this road is a critical route for taxis and scholar transport from several areas.

Short-term Proposal: Immediate intervention regarding signal timing (robot synchronization) is required to regulate flow. Residents adjacent to NNR have already submitted official service requests for traffic calming (TIC Reference: 7200670569).

Long-term Proposal: New Nooiensfontein Road should be upgraded to a dual roadway from Stellenbosch Arterial to Van Riebeeck Road, funded via the "Urban Mobility Congestion Relief Programme."

2. Community Services: Upgrade of Excelsior Park, Highbury

Excelsior Park has become a vital recreational hub for residents of Highbury and Highbury Park. Usage has increased significantly due to recent equipment additions and the hard-surface pitch. Notably, two adjacent schools utilise this park for physical education due to a lack of on-site facilities. However, a significant mole infestation currently renders the area hazardous for physical activity.

Proposal: A comprehensive development and maintenance plan for Excelsior Park must be formulated in consultation with the local community to ensure safety and longevity.

3. Social Infrastructure: Multipurpose Centre for Highbury/Highbury Park

There is an urgent need for a dedicated multipurpose centre in the Highbury-Highbury Park area. Similar facilities have been successfully established in surrounding areas within Sub-Council 14, leaving this specific community underserved.

Proposal: The City should initiate a feasibility study and allocate budget to explore the establishment of a multipurpose centre to serve the Highbury and Highbury Park demographic.

I look forward to your response regarding these critical community matters.

Sincerely,

Winston Middleton

Chairperson: Highbury Foundation civic association