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• A comprehensive study, the Cape Town Brown Haze Study, which determines the causes of brown pollution was undertaken by UCT’s Energy Research Institute for the CMA to which the CMC contributed.
• Diesel vehicle testing and emissions control is to be introduced in association with MLCs.
• Strict controls on industry are being enforced by CMC.
• The CMC continues to pressure national government to replace outdated national air pollution legislation.
• The Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) assigns air pollution control to be a local government responsibility. The CMC is in the process of establishing systems and skills needed to effect this responsibility.
• The CMC has requested the Department of Transport to include vehicle emissions testing in existing compulsory vehicle testing procedures.
• The CMC has developed a strategy to implement the recommendations of the Brown Haze Study and the Volatile Organic Compounds Study.
• The CMC is increasing the number and distribution of monitoring stations across the CMA, including a station in or near an informal settlement on the Cape Flats and the monitoring carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels.
• The CMC has been involved in establishing a state-of-the-art private medical waste incinerator on Council-owned land at Vissershok.

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• The CMC has adopted Integrated Catchment Management as a process and established the Catchment Management Department. Integrated Catchment Management results in the drafting of Catchment Management Plans and the establishment of broadly representative Catchment Management Forums to prioritise catchment management issues and strategies. Such forums have been established for the Khayelitsha Wetlands, Noordhoek Valley (Wildevoëlvlei), Kuils River, Black River, Sand River, Disa River and Big Lotus River catchments.
• The CMC, in conjunction with SPM, have initiated a study to upgrade the Wildevoëlvlei Waste Water Treatment Works. Extensions to these works are being constructed and will incorporate improved nutrient removal processes.
• The CMC is undertaking an Effluent Re-use Study and a Strategic Wastewater Study.
• River maintenance guidelines are being developed by the CMC for the MLCs.
• The CMC is co-ordinating aquatic weed control and river maintenance activities in the CMA.
• The CMC has commissioned an environmental significance mapping project which will include for the first time ecosystem mapping in the CMA.
• During the 1998/99 financial year, the CMC budgeted R5 million for water demand management. R4.3 million of this has been allocated to the six MLCs to reduce water wastage.
• The CMC has authorised approximately R38 million for a water supply scheme to transfer water from Voëlvlei to Atlantis. This scheme should have a beneficial effect on the quality of the water recharging the Atlantis aquifer. The CMC in conjunction with the CSIR are currently involved in ongoing monitoring of the water resources at Atlantis, as part of the Atlantis Water Reserve Management Scheme.
• DWAF has initiated the national Working for Water programme, including the clearing of invasive alien vegetation in river catchments in and around the CMA in order to both created jobs and improve run-off to rivers and streams.
• Establishment of a CMC Geographic Information System (GIS) designed specifically to manage catchment-related information generated within the CMA.

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• Requesting and reviewing of EIAs for development activities in sensitive areas by the provincial and local government authorities.
• The mapping of core botanical sites is currently being extended by CMC to include other areas and ecosystems of the CMA. A working group of CMC and MLC representatives has been set up to ensure adequate conservation and management of these sites.
• The Table Mountain Fund, together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) of UNEP are currently undertaking a number of studies and initiatives to support the conservation and management of the Cape Floristic Kingdom, which includes the CMA.
• The Driftsands Implementation and Management Plan is being developed by CMC.
• The Global Environmental Facility is funding a Cape Peninsula Biodiversity Conservation Project, which aims to conserve indigenous fauna and flora.
• SANP is committed to strengthening existing legislation to allow for more effective management of the urban interface and is establishing bi-lateral forums with local authorities.
• A compartmentalised burning programme is used by the SANP in the management of the Cape Peninsula National Park (CPNP).
• There are initiatives underway to declare nature reserves and protected natural environments, e.g. Rietvlei, Zeekoeivlei and Blaauwberg.
• There is a move by authorities to reduce housing developments on the boundary of the CPNP.
• DWAF have a National Arbour Week to encourage the planting, conservation and sponsoring of trees.

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• The CMC has commissioned the preparation of a Mineral Extraction Structure Plan for the Cape Metropolitan Region and Adjoining West Coast Areas. The plan will identify areas of potential mineral extraction, including sand mining and provide both substantive and procedural guidelines for the evaluation of applications to mine, as well as conditions to be attached to the approval of sand mining activities.

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• The establishment of the Cape Peninsula National Park will allow the incorporation of MPAs into terrestrial conservation areas, thus creating a single conservation management entity from mountain peak to the ocean floor.
• DEAT has initiated the preparation of a national Coastal Management Policy. The policy formulation process has included extensive public, authority and interest group participation, grouped into a number of demarcated areas of the coast. The CMA is one of these areas and CMC has participated in the process.
• PAWC is currently developing a provincial coastal policy.
• The Cape Metropolitan Coastal Water Quality Committee (CMCWQC) is a voluntary forum representing local authorities and other interest groups. The CMCWQC, supported by CMC, reports the results of seawater quality monitoring at 47 sites on the CMA coastline. Responses co-ordinated by the CMCWQC include:

• The CMC is co-ordinating the preparation of Catchment Management Plans for the Khayelitsha Wetlands, Noordhoek Valley (Wildevoëlvlei), Kuils River, Black River, Sand River, Disa River and Big Lotus River catchments.
• The CMC has appointed a consortium of specialist consulting engineers to undertake a strategic investigation of all bulk wastewater systems operated in the CMA.
• The CMC is undertaking an Effluent Re-use Study.
• The Mussel Watch Programme initiated by DEAT’s Sea Fisheries Research Institute in 1985 (now Chief Directorate of Sea Fisheries) includes the collection and analysis of mussels from some 26 coastal sites in the CMA. Mussel samples are currently analysed for heavy metals, including cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, manganese and mercury.

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• Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (MSDF), requiring the demarcation of a Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) by metropolitan local councils, has been developed by CMC. The MSDF will guide physical development taking into consideration scenic landscapes and nature areas.
• The CMC is currently engaged in the preparation of Catchment Management Plans, which, inter alia, will determine interim MOSS area demarcation and management guidelines.
• The CMC has committed itself to an analysis of environmentally significant areas, including ecosystems mapping of the CMA. This project will provide the foundation for the finalisation of a detailed MOSS in accordance with the MSDF.
• Funds are allocated by the CMC for the acquisition of land for conservation and recreational purposes in the MLCs.
• A Geographic Information System (GIS) map of all the reserves (private, national, provincial and local authority reserves) in the CMA is currently in preparation by the CMC.
• A planning database has been initiated by the CMC to determine where development pressures are occurring in the CMA.
• Detailed MOSS studies are being undertaken by CMC.
• Funds are allocated by the CMC for the acquisition of land for conservation and recreational purposes in the MLCs.
• A GIS study of all proclaimed areas in the CMA has been completed by the CMC.

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• The CMC is currently undertaking a Built Environment Study to identify sites for preservation in the CMA.
• Guidelines for communication masts, signage and the film industry are being developed by the CMC to ensure the protection of the natural environment and aesthetic quality.
• The City of Cape Town has initiated a study to identify sites of significance in previously disadvantaged areas.

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• The CMC is developing a Metropolitan Housing Policy to ensure more effective housing delivery and reduce housing backlogs.
• An informal settlements study is being undertaken by the CMC which focuses on unplanned and un-serviced squatter settlement.

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• A Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) has been developed by the CMC to direct and contain the patterns of urban growth and development.
• The draft MSDF Statutory Plan (CMC, 1998) includes the proposed fixing of an urban edge to contain and intensify development within the CMA.
• Detailed Urban Edge Studies are being undertaken by the CMC.
• A MSDF Corridor Quantification Study has been undertaken by the CMC.
• Sub-Regional Plans have been developed for North-Western Tygerberg, Metro South East, South Peninsula, Bloubergsvlei, Helderberg, Joostenberg and a growth corridor management plan for Atlantis.
• A migration study focusing on inter- and intra- migration is being undertaken by the CMC.
• A planning database has been initiated by the CMC to determine where development pressures are occurring in the CMA.
• A densification study and vacant land studies have been completed by the CMC
• Philippi Market Study is currently being undertaken by the CMC and the establishment of a Philippi Utility Company is underway.

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• The Cape Metropolitan Transport Plan, known as "Moving Ahead", is currently being revised by the CMC. The Moving Ahead Metropolitan Transport Plan is being developed in support of the MSDF objectives, namely to promote the development of high density public transport corridors and peak period counter flow movements to maximise the use of existing road infrastructure and reduce average trip lengths and travel times.

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• Statistics South Africa undertakes an annual October Household Survey, which includes the collection of data on the adequacy and availability of physical services and infrastructure.
• CMC allocated capital funds for the provision of services to each of the MLCs.
• National and provincial government have programmes to improve water provision.
• The first phase of an expansion plan for the Cape Town International Airport has begun. Future plans include a second runway, redevelopment of the terminus buildings and the addition of internal and external transport links.
• Portnet has initiated an EIA to investigate the expansion of the container terminal in the Port of Cape Town.
• The CMC is drafting Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) Guidelines as a working document.

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• A feasibility study has been commissioned by the City of Cape Town in partnership with the CMC, to investigate the conversion of Athlone power station from coal to gas (Kudu gas fields). Possible benefits of a change to gas power include reduced emissions from current use of coal and cleaner handling of fuels.
• In 1991 Eskom embarked on national electrification programme to provide informal settlements with electricity.
• A national policy is being developed to promote the use of alternative energy sources.

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• The CMC is undertaking an Integrated Waste Management Project in support of the National Waste Management Strategy. A Solid Waste Feasibility Study is currently underway.
• The CMC is undertaking two projects to reduce and recycle industrial and residential waste. Specific initiatives launched include:

• The CMC is collating relevant information pertaining to all wastewater facilities to identify deficiencies and recommend improvements as part of a Wastewater Management Strategic Plan. Use of dried sludge is being investigated as an alternative energy source for the Athlone Power Station.
• The CMC will be conducting a research project to establish litter traps in particular catchments in order to quantify and identify sources of litter.
• The CMC has been involved in supporting the establishment of a state-of-the-art private medical waste incinerator on Council owned land at Vissershok.
• The CMC together with the Fairest Cape Association is undertaking a Khayelitsha Anti-litter Campaign.
• The CMC is involved in capacity building among MLCs and NGOs with regard to integrated waste management.
• The CMC is undertaking a Wastewater Re-use Study.
• The CMC and the Water Research Commission are co-funding a litter management project, which will quantify and identify sources of litter and aid in the development of litter management plans.

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• A Local Government Economic Development Strategy (EDS) for the CMA is being developed by the CMC and includes strategies to enhance global competitiveness and reduce poverty.
• The CMC’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) has identified ‘targeting poverty and homelessness’ as one of the five metropolitan strategic themes for long-term priority action.
• The CMCs Integrated Development Plan (IDP) has identified "strengthening the CMA’s global economic position" as one of five metropolitan strategic themes.

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• As part of the IDP, the CMC intends to create a district health system and to integrate provincial and local government community facilities to ensure more responsive and effective local services.
• The CMC is part of a CMA Healthy Cities/Local Agenda 21 Initiative which aims to select environmental health indicators.
• The CMC has a public awareness and education programme about safe waste disposal and minimisation.
• The CMC is driving and co-ordinating an informal slaughtering project throughout the CMA to improve the health and hygiene aspects associated with informal slaughtering of animals for the purpose of sale of meat to the public.
• The co-ordination and monitoring of food sampling programmes is being undertaken by MLCs in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (54 of 1972).
• The CMC is supporting health promotion media aimed at improved food handling practises and hygiene.
• Extension of dairy produce database and monitoring programmes for townships has commenced.

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• The CMC will host the first Cape Metropolitan Festival of the Environment in February 1999. A key focus of the Festival is to raise environmental awareness amongst students. Twenty-two schools are participating in the development of a school environmental policy.
• The CMC is involved in a number of educational initiatives regarding catchment management, such as:

• The Department of Education is undertaking a five-year Culture of Learning and Teaching Campaign launched in 1997. This campaign covers the entire education and training system. It incorporates Adult Basic Education and Training, Early Childhood Development, as well as schools and colleges.
• The National Schools Building Programme aims to ensure efficient or sustainable use of resources in the CMA such as the application of alternative energy systems, water saving devices, grey-water systems or rainwater collection systems in schools.

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• The CMC aims to fulfil its vision of low incidence of crime in the next ten years.
• The SAPS has a number of initiatives currently underway, aimed at addressing various forms of crime, these include:

• Joint initiatives involving the SAPS and the Defence Force focusing on specific areas particularly in the Eastern Metropole.
• The City of Cape Town has initiated a Business Against Crime Campaign in the Central Business District.
• The Multi-Agency Delivery Action Mechanism structure at PAWC, focussing on the integration and co-ordination of safety and security activities on a provincial wide basis, including the CMA.
• A single emergency number telephone service for the CMA has been implemented by Telkom, including emergency call points in informal settlement areas where telephones are lacking.

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• The CMC is currently developing an Integrated Environmental Management Policy (IMEP) for the CMA as the first step to developing an Integrated Environmental Management Strategy.
• The CMC recently hosted the first Cape Metropolitan Festival of the Environment to raise environmental awareness and promote environmental management in the CMA.
• One of the five strategic themes of CMC’s IDP is ‘enhancing the environment’. Two projects have been initiated under this theme, namely an Environmental Sensitivity Mapping Study of the CMA and an Anti-litter Campaign for Khayelitsha.
• CNC has recently become a statutory board, enabling it to generate additional funds.
• The SANP successfully accessed Global Environmental Facility funding for the management of the newly established Cape Peninsula National Park.
• The SANP is committed to strengthening existing legislation to allow for more effective management of the urban interface and is establishing bi-lateral forums with local authorities.