Rasool and ANC delay major project again

[capetownguy]

After they took forever with providing support for the CTICC, delaying the process and putting the CTICC expansion at risk, Rasool is now delaying R4 billion investment by private investors for the building of the F1 race track in Cape Town saying he is too busy.

The CTICC had passed every test possible, once labelled a white elephant during construction, its created tons of jobs, and hosts 1 in every 4 international meeting in Africa, besides that Cape Town is ranked the top convention destination/venue in Africa.

Why oh why do the ANC delay important projects?

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Cape Town's F1 bid delayed

Cape Town's F1 bid delayed
08/04/2008 14:55

The proposed bid to host an F1 Grand Prix in Cape Town has received another setback, with Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool said to be "too busy to meet with investors".

An intergovernmental task team was established more than a year ago to explore the feasibility of hosting a Formula One race in Cape Town after an international consortium had offered to invest R4 billion in the venture.

However, it is now being reported that Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool is too busy to meet with the consortium. He has reportedly also failed to release the task teams's feasibility study findings.

The consortium also claims that Rasool pledged his support for the project in January 2007, although these investors have not received any further communication from the Premier's office. It is now concerned about the "evident opposition" to the project from the Western Cape Province.

In its bid, the SA Grand Prix Corporation said it did not require government funds to host the race in Cape Town.

It proposed acquiring land close to the Cape Town International Airport and while some of the land earmarked belongs to the provincial government, the consortium claims this was promised to it by the City.

Simon Grindrod, Cape Town's mayoral committee head for economic, social development and tourism in his statement to the press noted that Cape Town and the Western Cape were "on the brink of losing the project as frustrated investors consider taking their money and jobs elsewhere".

According to Grindrod, similar international events demonstrate how a city - and country - benefits from the economic spin-offs following the hosting of a world-class sporting event such as an F1 race.

"A simple yes or no from the (Western Cape) Province would suffice," Grindrod continued. "The investors can then make alternative plans. Such delays in decision-making are very bad for investor confidence in the Western Cape."

 

[marine1]

ANC hard at work once again. Probably couldnt secure a bribe.

 

[capetownguy]

prob. its international investors and they(rasool) want their slice of the pie.

 

[marine1]

Obviously that is what happened. If there is no pie for Rasool do you honestly think he will do anything? ANC has to have some money in it for themselves or else why do it?

 

[Skeptik]

I can see this either project being ignored or involve ANC bigwigs angling for the contracts. Of course the companies that 'win' the contracts will all be new startups, will do a shoddy job and take far too long.

 

[Thestealth]

The ANC's buddy's must stay out of the bidding to build this circuit. We can't have a track with potholes and clogged drains.

 

[koffiejunkie]

ANC hard at work once again. Probably couldnt secure a bribe.

I smell an opportunity for a sting operation. Oh wait, the Scorpions are no more

 

[BTTB]

Cape Town Politics must surely be some of the lowest politics in the country.
-A tussle between The Alliance represented by The DA and The ANC.
In most parts of the world healthy opposition style politics are good, but not in this town.
The DA and ANC collectively have cost Cape Town incalculable Billions of Rands in delayed projects, poor decisions and just plain politicking to further their own agenda and to heck with what is good for The City.

This project for a F1 Race Track - Where do they wish to build the track and what impact will this have on that surrounding area.
I can only imagine a Full EIA would be necessary for this sort of project?

 

[Toffee]

Yep, Cape politics is in turmoil. There is a massive division in the ANC with two factions and Rasool is daily fighting for his life against the other faction( he will be a gonner when Zuma is in charge).At the same time the City is run by the DA and he is running an enquiry into some actions taken by the City/DA/Zilla. It is all about power and stone throwing. Not that the DA is innocent either, but it would be better if the City and Province were governed by the same party as there is more co-operation. I attended a dinner last year where Rasool was to be the guest speaker, but he cancelled a few hours before he wass due to talk.

 

[Balstrome]

I seems to me that there are two types of voters in this country, one that votes for the best candidate, as they see it, and the other that votes for the one that has it in for another race group. And it also seems that second group is the majority group.

 

[Hoof-Hearted]

This project for a F1 Race Track - Where do they wish to build the track and what impact will this have on that surrounding area.
I can only imagine a Full EIA would be necessary for this sort of project?

Nope... the right money need only reach the right pockets.

Plenty developments around where this has been the case

 

[BTTB]

Nope... the right money need only reach the right pockets.

Plenty developments around where this has been the case

I hear you.

Although in this case we have Formula 1 Motor Cars making quite a bit of noise.
I doubt they will get this past the "Greenies" even with The Green greasing a few pockets.

 

[capetownguy]

the site is adjacent to the airport, hence the urgency for the airport cbd rail link and airport cbd bus rapid link. the province simply has to say yes and release the land.


even with all the issues between the DA and ANC, you'd be blind to believe that the ANC did more in the ten years nomainda mfeketo sat on her behind hoping everything would sort itself outi(n the process firing non-white skilled people). zille's prob done more in a month than nomainda did in a year. the DA essentially has to play catch up for the mess the ANC left the city in. The DA is certainly far from perfect but with the ANC as a benchmark its been a radical turn around for cape town in more ways than 5.

 

[Skeptik]

the site is adjacent to the airport, hence the urgency for the airport cbd rail link and airport cbd bus rapid link. the province simply has to say yes and release the land.


even with all the issues between the DA and ANC, you'd be blind to believe that the ANC did more in the ten years nomainda mfeketo sat on her behind hoping everything would sort itself outi(n the process firing non-white skilled people). zille's prob done more in a month than nomainda did in a year. the DA essentially has to play catch up for the mess the ANC left the city in. The DA is certainly far from perfect but with the ANC as a benchmark its been a radical turn around for cape town in more ways than 5.

I had no idea there was such a project as a rail link. All I can see is that one lane on the N2 has been reserved for busses and taxis. The province are definitely holding up work of the city because they don't want the DA to get the credit. It's a spoiling action.

As for the Council, don't get me started. They appear not to be doing a lot. It's all cost savings and no service. No road sweeping, no gutter clearing, no verge cutting, poor street light maintenance, potholes galore. No way are they doing a good job. That's worse than ever before.

 

[BTTB]

Public Participation a farce.

As for the Council, don't get me started.

Now here is an understatement!

Despite the Municipal System Act which entrenches Public Participation in Government, Council and Developers are keen to sidestep The Public Participation Process when it suits them.
Quite simply done as follows> When we are needed we will be required to Rubber Stamp the many Policy Documents and Processes doing the rounds through boring workshops and endless meetings or if your input is not needed in certain Developments you will somehow be the last to know and when you ask they will inform you that it was advertised in The Government Gazette. Like who reads The Government Gazette?
-Quite simply they know how to get hold of you when it suits them. The Mailing Lists and Contact Numbers are Public Record.

 

[capetownguy]

I had no idea there was such a project as a rail link. All I can see is that one lane on the N2 has been reserved for busses and taxis. The province are definitely holding up work of the city because they don't want the DA to get the credit. It's a spoiling action.

As for the Council, don't get me started. They appear not to be doing a lot. It's all cost savings and no service. No road sweeping, no gutter clearing, no verge cutting, poor street light maintenance, potholes galore. No way are they doing a good job. That's worse than ever before.

well then let them know. ive seen parts all around cape town, good and ****ty areas..public spaces improved, dignified spaces being created. saw gutter clearing just the other day. best bet would be to email the mayor directly.

ive seen the state of the city and all parts under the ANC and i really hope the city is never ruled by them again. even if only due to the high levels of corruption with tenders.

The BRT system will be in place before 2010 with R900m from treasury. The first phase pre 2010 being the airport to city link and the inner city bus system. search iol

The airport rail link wont be ready by 2010 since its not a 2010 project, but they will start in 2009, and metrorail and the city are working closely to get it off the ground. it needs to go ahead regardless of 2010, and pre 2010 is the best time to start while government and authorities are urgent about improving transport.

fifa's review of transport plans in june will be interesting. praising plans in the media and making massive changes behind closed doors.

 

[capetownguy]

Now here is an understatement!

Despite the Municipal System Act which entrenches Public Participation in Government, Council and Developers are keen to sidestep The Public Participation Process when it suits them.
Quite simply done as follows> When we are needed we will be required to Rubber Stamp the many Policy Documents and Processes doing the rounds through boring workshops and endless meetings or if your input is not needed in certain Developments you will somehow be the last to know and when you ask they will inform you that it was advertised in The Government Gazette. Like who reads The Government Gazette?
-Quite simply they know how to get hold of you when it suits them. The Mailing Lists and Contact Numbers are Public Record.

I can only speak for cape town wrt to council information. every single council document of each council meeting for the last four years is online and accessible. even the green point stadium building plans are there. you may also request colour copies of any document.

 

[Skeptik]

well then let them know. ive seen parts all around cape town, good and ****ty areas..public spaces improved, dignified spaces being created. saw gutter clearing just the other day. best bet would be to email the mayor directly.

I sent off an e-mail to Mdme. Zille about 4 weeks ago and nothing back. Sent a mail to our Councillor - also nada. Phone the Council - all not in the office. Finally got through to an intellectually challenged individual o) and he was very friendly and promised lots. However again nada actually happening .. ever.

I chatted to someone looking at the lights with one of those big trokkies (road accident took the pole out) and he said he was overworked/underpaid and I mustn't expect a lot!

Conclusion: Council is dysfunctional.

 

[capetownguy]

really...thats terrible. maybe contact the electricity department..i dont know thats shocking...be persistent though.

 

[antowan]

The mention of corruption is quite correct in my view. I think Rasool is indeed looking for his slice as you guys say...