Building Sustainable Secure Futures – Smart Cities
which will provide useful data wind energy development KwaZulu-Natal.
A project named Eos (named after the Greek Goddess of the Dawn) is aimed at promoting the use of embedded rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) in eThekwini. The project will allow the Municipality to obtain first-hand knowledge in understanding the barriers to PV from which to test local policies and regulations.
The Durban Solar Map is an interactive tool linked to the Durban Solar City Framework that allows one to view an aerial image of one’s property, where the tool is able to automatically calculate basic technical information, such as size, cost, and the like for a PV installation (http://www. durbansolarmap.co.za/viewer/).
EThekwini is also trying to revolutionise its transport sector to provide a flexible, safe and cost-effective transport service for people with the launch of Go!Durban.
This is the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) that will make transport universally accessible to Durban’s citizens.
The core objective is to provide seamless transfers across transport modes, by creating ease of access at stations and precincts and by using electronic ticketing and providing passenger safety and security.
The provision of transport is intrinsic to the creation of a vibrant, liveable and sustainable city, in line with the City’s vision.
The eThekwini Municipality has ensured that it adheres to technological advantages in the communications field by launching the Smart Community initiative, which is a smartphone application that allows customers to interact with the Municipality.
Residents who own smart phones or tablets are able to download this app from Google Play and the Apple Store which they may then use to report faults using GPS to record accurate locations, view emergency contact numbers and receive their revenue balances and municipal alerts. for in
has provided a critical opportunity for analysis of key systemic challenges in the municipality, ranging from issues such as ineffective governance and stakeholder engagement, to the need for innovation, informed decisionmaking and fundamental transformations in the economy and society. This systems approach is critical in helping to identify the foundational elements of a functional city, without which other sustainability efforts will be undermined.