A smart city is about far more than just smart electricity meters and South Africa’s cities are lagging far behind.
A few years ago this finweek correspondent attended a conference in Barcelona on the Internet of Things and Smart Cities.
The city of Barcelona had partnered with various private sector players to test smart city technologies through pilot projects.
Delegates got to interact with bus stops that had been turned into WiFi hotspots. Smart parking spots allowed commuters to log into an app and find the nearest available spot to park, and the city could tell when you had overstayed and didn’t have to rely on random monitoring to issue tickets for parking violations.
Efficiencies in waste and refuse systems had been created, with sensors monitoring smell and gas build-up and waste. Refuse removal trips were planned so that half-full storage containers were not emptied.
Water supply and distribution were monitored and problems picked up by the system, not through complaints.
Museums illustrated how they had digitised their entire collections. This had taken them from being national or regional museums to international online museums.
On the streets of Barcelona, tourists were able, via their phones, to have virtual interactions with the history of certain sites in the city.
All very impressive. But when considering the state of internet connectivity in South Africa, it did feel as if many of these technologies were for the developed world. After all, we live in a country where #DataMustFall is top of mind for many South Africans.
INCREASED URBANISATION
Globally, cities produce more than 80% of economic output and are critical to the world economy.
This story is from the 15 December 2016 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 15 December 2016 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
