Infrastructure development is the lifeblood of economic and social transformation
The Gauteng Infrastructure Investment Conference kicked off on a high note today as business practitioners, researchers, academics and other key role players met to discuss prevailing infrastructure investment opportunities.
Day one of the conference saw delegates share insights on innovative trends and radical practices on infrastructure development whilst identifying investment opportunities in infrastructure development in the province.
Speakers in the opening session included Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and the CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nicky Newton-King.
“Gauteng has the potential not only to maintain its position as the economic engine of South Africa but it has the ability to expand its economic and social contribution beyond our borders. This requires constant and targeted investment by both public and private sectors, especially in physical infrastructure,” said Minister Radebe.
He also commended the Gauteng Provincial Government for taking the objectives as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) to heart by putting in place an ambitious infrastructure plan.
Premier David Makhura appealed to representatives from the private sector in attendance to invest in public infrastructure projects as infrastructure can put the brakes on an economy or it can accelerate it.
“All over the world, governments, businesses and citizens are placing more emphasis on infrastructure development in order to address the wellbeing of rural populations and meet the growing demands of rapidly expanding urban populations in the context of diminishing natural resources and sluggish economic growth.
The CEO of Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nicky Newton-King also reiterated the Premier’s plea for private sector investment. “Businesses must heed the call and get involved in finding ways to respond to the province’s TMR programme,” she said.
Makhura added that government was working towards improving the capacity of the state to deliver on infrastructure projects on time and within budget. “This conference will also offer us an opportunity to fix that part of our infrastructure that is not working to our expectations and appreciate the one which is world-class,” concluded Makhura.
For media enquiries contact:
Thabo Masebe
Cell: 082 410 8087
E-mail: Thabo.masebe@gauteng.gov.za
