The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has successfully obtained €97,500 in funding from the European Union under the SA-EU Dialogue Facility 3.0 to launch an ambitious project titled “Towards a Digital Twin Province: Building a Connected and Intelligent Asset Management Ecosystem”.
The initiative aims to revolutionise public infrastructure planning, management, and maintenance through advanced digital technology.
At its core, the project involves creating precise digital replicas – or “digital twins” – of all buildings managed by the department. These virtual models will enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and performance optimisation of physical assets. Crucially, the technology allows officials to simulate and test proposed innovations in a virtual environment before implementing them in the real world, minimising risks and maximising efficiency.
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The funding will enable the DOI to expand its portfolio of digitally scanned buildings dramatically. As a collaborative partnership with the European Union, the project will draw on expertise from Estonia, a world leader in digital governance. The outcomes include clear policy guidelines, exploration of sustainable financing models, and a practical roadmap for implementation, positioning the Western Cape as a pioneer in scalable digital infrastructure management.
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers welcomed the development, stating: “A Digital Twin Province is about using data and technology to plan better, maintain smarter, and invest more responsibly.
This initiative strengthens our ability to deliver reliable infrastructure, reduce long-term costs and ensure that every rand invested delivers real value to communities.” He also praised Jodie Thomas of the department for her leadership in securing the project, highlighting the province’s growing international reputation for innovation-driven governance.
