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NEWS: To what extent are Africa's megacities equipped and prepared to cope with the impacts of climate change?

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The health repercussions of climate change in African cities require immediate attention. These urban areas find themselves on the front lines, facing rising temperatures and worsening air pollution. To safeguard both people and the environment, governments must act decisively. They must channel investments into green infrastructure, champion clean energy initiatives, and bolster healthcare systems. African cities face substantial health challenges due to climate change, including flood risks, droughts, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Droughts are a significant cause of mortality globally and are indirectly linked to extreme heat. Indirect health issues arise through food-borne and vector-borne diseases, non-communicable illnesses, displacement, and mental health stressors. Air pollution intensifies with fossil fuel combustion, contributing to over 5 million deaths annually. African cities have responded by implementing policies to minimize resource consumption and reduce gree
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OPINION: Innovative infrastructure funding required to avoid economic instability

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According to Emeka Umeche it is crucial to adopt innovative infrastructure funding models in South Africa to create a path toward sustainable infrastructure development.


Emeka Umeche says South Africa's infrastructure is in a state of decline, threatening the country's development and stability. Traditional approaches have been insufficient in addressing the growing infrastructure gap. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu have called for a paradigm shift in conceiving, financing, and implementing infrastructure projects. They propose streamlining procedures, enhancing accountability, and embracing novel financing instruments. The South African Institution of Civil Engineering proposed a PPP funding solution using bridging loans to cover transaction advisor fees. Johannesburg's water crisis highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to safeguard water resources.

Strategies to enhance water security include infrastructure investment, sustainable practices, comprehensive planning, and cross-sector collaborations. Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) offer a promising solution to South Africa's water infrastructure woes. The success of PPPs and SPVs relies on supportive legal environments, strong governance, transparent communication, and aligned stakeholder objectives. South Africa stands at a crossroads, requiring a departure from traditional approaches. The call for private sector involvement, streamlined procedures, enhanced accountability, and innovative financing mechanisms represents a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges.Therefore Emeka Umeche believes by embracing PPPs and SPVs, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, South Africa can pave the way for sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring water security and the resilience of its critical systems for future generations.

Emeka Umeche is a Project Manager at Ntiyiso Consulting Group and his full hardhatOPINION which was published on IOL can be read here


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