The Government’s programme to publicly roll out infrastructure programmes continues in earnest following the launch of the infrastructure programme in 2012 by President Jacob Zuma.
President Zuma unveiled the National Infrastructure Plan in the 2012 State of the Nation Address. A key feature of the plan is the coordination of infrastructure build centrally in the Presidency, through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, (PICC), chaired by the President. The PICC continues to coordinate infrastructure projects and its management committee is chaired by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti.
Government held a Presidential Infrastructure Investment Conference in October last year to mobilise partnerships with the private sector.
The intensive focus on infrastructure has yielded results and many projects have either been completed or are nearing completion. The President gave a progress report in the 2013 State of the Nation Address.
Government has begun a programme of officially opening those projects that have neared completion. The President officially re-opened the Grootvlei power station last month, and this week on the 8th, he opened the Polokwane-Giyani R81 road. He will also be visiting other communities to open projects that have either been completed or are nearing completion.
Ministers have also been officially opening projects. The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, assisted by other Ministers and Deputy Ministers, for example is leading a programme of opening one school a week in the Eastern Cape. New schools have been constructed, replacing mud schools.
By investing in infrastructure government is boosting job creation and economic growth. Government’s infrastructure investment will allow the South African economy over the longer term to increase in productivity and become more competitive.
Forthcoming Presidential Infrastructure public engagements programme
|
Date |
Engagement |
|
19 October |
Inanda/Ntuzuma/KwaMashu KZN Bridge City infrastructure project |
|
31 October |
Official handover ceremony of operator permit for Saldanha IDZ Saldanha, Western Cape |
|
02 November |
Site visit and launch of De Hoop Dam, Sekhukhune, Limpopo |
|
5 November
|
Unveiling of automotive wagons, Port Elizabeth |
|
19 November |
Launch of Spring Grove Dam, Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal. |
|
22 November |
Opening of Ladybrand hospital, Free State |
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
