Far reaching benefits
"If approved, this would have far reaching benefits, not only for the City but more importantly for our residents and businesses. The granting of the long-term rights will contribute to the accelerated roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure that is essential for economic development in Cape Town.
"We believe that improved access to telecommunication services and especially access to the internet is no longer a privilege but a necessity to link residents with economic activities. The access to associated infrastructure will not only address the availability and the speed of existing services, but will also help to reduce the cost of telecommunication services in Cape Town. The City will benefit financially by way of a market-related income," said City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services and Compliance, Councillor Xanthea Limberg.
The draft agreement brokered between the two parties protects the City’s rights as the owner of the infrastructure and will ensure that the City is indemnified in the event of Link Africa’s fibre-optic cabling being damaged or claims arising by third parties.
The granting of these long-term rights (up to 15 years) to Link Africa (Pty) LTD will be in accordance with certain conditions:
• The agreement will have to comply with any statutory requirements
• Municipal services will be protected at all times and no buildings or permanent structures may be constructed over the municipal services
A concern was raised about a possible increase in blockages in these municipal pipes. However, an investigation by the City’s engineering department and an independent consulting engineer concluded that the risk was within a tolerance level that was acceptable to the City. The proposed agreement ensures that the City will be able to fulfil its obligation to deliver municipal services should a blockage occur.
The installation of fibre-optic cables in pipes will help to reduce the negative impact of open trenching on municipal infrastructure such as roads and pavements.
"As a smart city that embraces innovative technologies, the City is working with many service providers to extend the availability of good telecommunications infrastructure throughout the city. These efforts are supported through our own investment in fibre-optics, which makes backhaul opportunities available to the private sector," said Councillor Limberg.
