Minister Macpherson welcomes SONA infrastructure commitments to turn South Africa into a construction site
The Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, welcomes the commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening to realise efforts to turn South Africa into a construction site. The announcements by President Ramaphosa align with the work the Minister has undertaken over the past seven months to attract additional infrastructure financing, get more shovels into the ground, and revitalise small harbours to benefit the communities in which they are located.
Among the key announcements made by President Ramaphosa, the President reaffirmed the Government of National Unity's efforts under Minister Macpherson to:
- Attract at least R100 billion in private-sector investment towards infrastructure financing to get more cranes in the sky and shovels in the ground.
- Revitalise small harbours to attract greater economic activity, thereby unlocking economic opportunities for coastal communities across the country.
- Accelerate Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), with 82 projects worth R437 billion currently under construction and 19 already completed in sectors such as transport, water, energy, and housing.
- Implement the Project Preparation Bid Window to ensure that infrastructure projects worth more than R1 billion are successfully delivered with meaningful state support.
- Revise Public-Private Partnership (PPP) regulations to facilitate greater private-sector involvement and financing of construction projects.
“We welcome the President’s public support for the work we have been doing in the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure to turn South Africa into a construction site, which will undoubtedly help us grow the economy and create much-needed jobs. His support for the work we have done with the National Treasury to reform PPP regulations will go a long way in attracting additional infrastructure financing, in line with our commitment to secure an additional R100 billion in infrastructure investment over the next four years,” said Minister Macpherson.
“Furthermore, the President’s endorsement of our efforts to revitalise small harbours—such as the Hout Bay small harbour, which falls under the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure—will ensure that these harbours meaningfully contribute to the communities in which they are located. This will help stimulate local economies and create jobs.”
Following President Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address and his support for the Department'sreformefforts,MinisterMacphersonwilloutlinemoredetailsonthedepartment’s infrastructure plan when he replies to the SONA next week. South Africa must see and experience the tangible impact of the Department’s work in turning the country into a construction site and using public assets for public good.
“As the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, we remain fully committed to meaningfully contributing to President Ramaphosa’s vision of increasing South Africa’s economic growth to above 3%, which will undoubtedly lead to job creation. The Government of National Unity truly represents renewed hope for South Africa’s future, and by working together, we are building a better country.”
Enquiries:
James de Villiers Spokesperson to the Minister
E-mail: james.devilliers@dpw.gov.za
Cell: 082 766 0276
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