Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to significantly increasing infrastructure investment, which he views as essential for fostering economic growth and improving service delivery across South Africa. Speaking at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) briefing in Parliament, the President addressed the country on a range of issues, from the government’s response to extortion against businesses and individuals to the ongoing fight against unemployment and poverty.
Ramaphosa emphasised that infrastructure development is at the heart of his government’s agenda. He stressed that effective service delivery and sustained economic growth hinge on the successful execution of public infrastructure projects.
“The development of public infrastructure is necessary for effective service delivery and economic development. That is why we are determined as this administration to massively increase the scale of investment in infrastructure. Through this investment, we will turn South Africa into a building site,” the President stated during his address.
Expanding Infrastructure Investment
Ramaphosa’s government has set ambitious goals to address the nation’s aging infrastructure and the underperformance of key public projects. He cited that delays and abandonment of public infrastructure projects are severely impeding the ability of local communities to access essential services.
To tackle these issues head-on, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has embarked on a comprehensive assessment of projects delayed or abandoned in recent years. According to Ramaphosa, this initiative began in earnest during the sixth democratic administration and continues to gain momentum under the current leadership.
The President also noted that the passing of the Infrastructure Development Act under a Presidential Proclamation in 2019 was a game-changer for infrastructure planning. By shifting oversight to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, the government has adopted a more unified and structured approach to coordinating both public and private sector infrastructure initiatives through the establishment of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA).
National Infrastructure Plan 2050
Central to the government’s efforts is the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) 2050, which outlines a long-term strategy to modernise and expand the country’s infrastructure. Ramaphosa explained that the NIP 2050 will streamline the planning and implementation process, prioritising key projects to meet the country’s developmental goals. The plan highlights the need for multi-year budgeting for infrastructure delivery and introduces reforms aimed at reducing the time taken for permits and approvals.
“Institutional arrangements have been developed for the successful implementation of the NIP 2050. Our aim is to ensure better preparation and prioritisation of infrastructure projects. The implementation of multi-year budgeting for infrastructure will facilitate more efficient planning and delivery of these projects,” said Ramaphosa.
Addressing Incomplete Projects and Capacity Challenges
The President acknowledged the adverse impact of delayed and incomplete infrastructure projects on local communities. These stalled developments result in substandard service delivery, with communities left waiting for essential services such as clean water, housing, and road infrastructure.
To mitigate this challenge, Ramaphosa’s administration is working to identify and restart incomplete or abandoned projects. According to the President, the government is leveraging partnerships with industry experts in the built environment to provide much-needed technical expertise.
“The task of identifying incomplete and abandoned infrastructure projects is being implemented throughout all provinces. However, the completion of these projects requires dedicated capacity that may not be readily available,” the President said.
To bolster these efforts, the DPWI has issued a call for professionals in construction, architecture, and engineering to contribute their expertise towards the completion of key projects. Ramaphosa believes this will accelerate project timelines and ensure more efficient use of resources.
Siyahlola Programme: Monitoring Infrastructure Progress
One of the critical mechanisms the government has introduced to monitor the progress of infrastructure projects is the Siyahlola Programme, which allows for direct oversight at the executive level. Under this programme, site visits are conducted to assess the status of delayed projects, identify bottlenecks, and ensure that recovery plans are in place.
“In this programme, site visits are conducted to check the status and plans to complete outstanding work. Follow-up visits are also conducted after a few months to ensure that recovery plans are being implemented,” Ramaphosa elaborated.
The Siyahlola Programme has proven instrumental in identifying areas for improvement, particularly around issues such as bulk infrastructure and outstanding project approvals. This initiative aligns closely with the government’s District Development Model (DDM), a collaborative framework that brings together municipalities, local governments, and private stakeholders to work towards common development goals.
“The Siyahlola programme demonstrates effective interventions that can be achieved through the District Development Model, as all stakeholders are brought in to work on the same goal,” the President remarked.
Fighting Unemployment and Poverty Through Infrastructure
As the government continues its push for infrastructure expansion, Ramaphosa reiterated that this drive is not only about improving services but also about creating jobs and reducing poverty. By investing in large-scale infrastructure projects, the government hopes to address the growing unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth.
The President pointed out that infrastructure development will create thousands of job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. This aligns with his administration’s broader strategy to spur economic growth, uplift impoverished communities, and foster sustainable development.
Combating Extortion in the Construction Industry
During his briefing, President Ramaphosa also addressed the rising concern of extortion rackets targeting businesses, particularly in the construction sector. These criminal elements, often referred to as “construction mafia,” have been known to disrupt infrastructure projects, demanding a cut of the project value or forcing businesses to employ their members.
Ramaphosa condemned these acts, noting that they are stifling the progress of much-needed infrastructure projects across the country. “Extortion against businesses and individuals is a serious crime that we cannot allow to continue. It is a direct threat to our economic recovery and development efforts,” he said.
The government has since launched a multi-agency task force aimed at rooting out extortionists and ensuring the safety of businesses engaged in public and private sector projects.
A Focus on Rural Development
In his address, Ramaphosa made special mention of rural development as a key area of focus for his administration’s infrastructure drive. The President highlighted the need for better rural roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and access to electricity. He noted that many rural communities have been left behind due to a lack of infrastructure, which has exacerbated inequalities in access to services.
“We cannot leave our rural areas behind. Infrastructure development is as critical in our rural areas as it is in urban centres. That is why we are working to ensure that infrastructure projects are prioritised in underdeveloped regions of our country,” Ramaphosa stated.
Conclusion: Infrastructure as the Key to Economic Revival
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the NCOP underscored the central role that infrastructure investment plays in his administration’s plans for economic revival. By focusing on the completion of delayed projects, introducing long-term infrastructure planning through the NIP 2050, and leveraging public-private partnerships, the government is positioning itself to transform South Africa into a “building site.”
As South Africa continues to grapple with unemployment, poverty, and economic stagnation, infrastructure development remains a beacon of hope for many. The President’s commitment to expanding investment in public infrastructure could prove to be the catalyst that propels the country towards sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for all its citizens.
While challenges such as extortion and capacity constraints remain, Ramaphosa’s administration has shown a willingness to tackle these head-on. With the support of various stakeholders, including professionals in the built environment and local municipalities, the government’s ambitious infrastructure expansion plans could finally see South Africa’s long-term development goals become a reality.
In his closing remarks, the President emphasised, “Infrastructure is the foundation upon which we build our economy, and through this foundation, we will uplift the lives of millions of South Africans.”
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