The New Development Bank (a BRICS-linked lender) approves a R16.4 billion loan to support the modernisation of South Africa’s urban infrastructure. The funding is aimed at upgrading essential public services across eight metropolitan municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Cape Town. The planned improvements cover water and sanitation systems, electricity-related infrastructure, and waste management services. According to the report, the project focuses on strengthening municipal infrastructure capacity and service delivery within participating metros. The loan is structured to help finance upgrades across multiple cities rather than a single location, reflecting a nationwide urban infrastructure approach. No additional details are provided in the available text on project timelines, procurement arrangements, or the loan’s specific conditions. The announcement centres on the scale of the financing and the sectors targeted—water, sanitation, electricity and waste management—across the selected metropolitan areas.