Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
Infrastructure service delivery goes beyond merely constructing roads, bridges, or buildings; it is about laying the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future. This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who spoke during the Public Works and Infrastructure Minister and MECs (MinMEC) event at the Eastcape Training College (ETC) in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday.
“As we continue to focus on infrastructure development, let us remember that every road laid, every bridge built, and every water system installed contributes to the advancement of our nation and the well-being of our people,” the Deputy President told the attendees. Deputy President Mashatile attended a meeting at the invitation of Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson.
The MinMEC is a government forum chaired by Macpherson, which includes the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, as well as the Members of the Provincial Executive Councils (MECs) for Public Works and Infrastructure from all nine provinces. The Deputy President spoke about the importance of infrastructure service delivery in boosting the economy and creating much-needed jobs. The country’s second-in-command also used the platform to emphasise government’s commitment to the development of crucial infrastructure.
He cited this morning’s visit to the 75MW Umoyilanga-Dassiesridge hybrid renewables-battery project before arriving at the venue for his speaking engagement. “It was remarkable to witness the energy generation initiative as it approaches its last phase before becoming operational,” the Deputy President said, underscoring the importance of projects such as solar farms and wind energy facilities. He believes these initiatives play a pivotal role in modernising South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
“The development of critical infrastructure, including energy, transportation, water, and telecommunications, is undeniably crucial to economic growth. This is because it increases output while decreasing expenditure and broadens market access,” he explained. He highlighted the benefits of such investments by touching on Infrastructure South Africa’s newly released Construction Book for 2024/2025, which lists around 250 construction projects valued at over R238 billion.
Deputy President Mashatile announced that government has pledged to invest over R1 trillion over the next three years, focusing on improving public infrastructure to enhance the living standards of citizens. “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 the dignity of the people and foster national unity,” he said.
He acknowledged the critical role of infrastructure in achieving developmental goals and stressed a combined effort to strategically deploy key infrastructure. “Meeting the expectations of the community implies a great deal of responsibility,” he told the attendees. He called for a focus on community engagement, skills development, and combating corruption to enhance infrastructure service delivery.
