‘R1 trillion set aside to improve infrastructure in SA’

The national government says it has set aside R1 trillion to improve infrastructure in South Africa over the next three years. Deputy President Paul Mashatile revealed this during his keynote address in the MinMEC meeting in Gqeberha,in the Eastern Cape today.

Mashatile believes that prioritizing infrastructure development is key to economic growth. He says the goal is to improve infrastructure to adequately meet demands of the communities.

Mashatile has emphasized the importance of infrastructure as the backbone of the economy.

He told the sitting that their first stop in creating a standard economy and to providing much-needed jobs is prioritizing infrastructure. He has vowed to inject a R1 trillion in infrastructure over the next three years.

“Government has committed to spend over R1 trillion over the next three years by improving public infrastructure throughout our country. Together we should continue to upgrade and construct public infrastructure such as water supply, energy, schools and health clinics, to improve the living standards and to restore dignity of the people and fosters national unity,” says Mashatile.

Mashatile says a municipal infrastructure grant will also be introduced.

“Meeting the expectations of the community implies a great deal of responsibility. It includes not just infrastructure development, but also addressing skills shortages in the built environment and combating corruption. The municipal grant will help to ensure that all funds are being used completely and in the correct places so that corruption doesn’t occur and also to ensure that these municipalities don’t underspend and have to send the money back to treasury,” Mashatile explains.

The Ministry of Public Works says both public and private sectors must be unified to strengthen infrastructure.

“It is exactly the type of project that demonstrates that infrastructure can simultaneously meet service delivery needs, empower communities, and boost economic growth,” says Dean McPherson, Minister of Public Works.

With more than a R1 trillion on the table, government’s pledge raises expectations in communities across the Eastern Cape. The test will be in translating commitments into visible projects and jobs on the ground.