Today we have witnessed the launching of the Strategic Integrated Infrastructure Project 7(SIP) 7. This occasion marks a significant step towards the implementation of government’s massive infrastructure drive announced by the Honourable President in this year’s State of the Nation Address.
As indicated earlier, SIP 7 is one of the 17 SIPs that are part of the integrated infrastructure plan approved by the Cabinet and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) in February this year. The PICC is chaired by the President.
SIP 7 focuses on coordination of planning and implementation of integrated public transport networks, sustainable human settlement and economic and social infrastructure with the objective of addressing the economic and social challenges of our urban spaces.
The importance of infrastructure development as a critical driver for economic growth and job creation cannot be over-emphasised.
The implementation of this programme over the next 20 years will not only change this country’s landscape and create the much needed jobs, but will also contribute tremendously towards expanding service delivery to our people still without access to such services. It will also play a crucial role in the development of skills in such critical areas as engineering and project management.
SIP 7 will be implemented initially in the 12 major cities selected by the PICC. These cities include our host today Ekurhuleni, Ethekwini, Joburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Mangaung, Mbombela, Rustenburg, Polokwane and Msunduzi.
These cities have been selected because of their demographic and economic features. They are the lifeline of our economy. Collectively they are home to approximately 42% of the country’s total population and they account for approximately 70% of the country’s GDP.
SIP 7 aims to strategically use infrastructure to support urban development, overcome spatial apartheid, build integrated and sustainable communities (economic, residential and social), reduce commuting costs and time and promote green urban development.
As with other SIPs, SIP 7 will be supported by a State Owned Entity. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has been tasked with the responsibility of supporting SIP 7.
Our intention is also to galvanise key players nationally and internationally to come on board as we undertake this journey towards building vibrant and sustainable cities.
As coordinators, we are expected to develop a 5 year road-map and a comprehensive implementation plan for this SIP. This plan will clearly highlight a full pipeline of infrastructure projects in the 12 cities and the process of integrating them within the cities’ space. Projects currently being implemented will also be incorporated into this plan. We will also be establishing a Project Office that will manage the implementation of this sip.
We invite all sectors of our society to work together with us as we travel this journey towards creating functional and sustainable urban landscapes for the improved living conditions for the population and thriving economies.
