Infrastructure
An infrastructure investment project pipeline worth R340-billion in network industries such as energy, water, transport and telecommunications has been developed, construction has started and progress has been made. However, technical skills have had to be built within the government to prepare and manage large infrastructure projects.
Two major human settlement projects that will provide homes to almost 68 000 household groups in Gauteng province have begun, and similar projects are planned for other provinces.
Also, new post-apartheid cities, announced in 2019, are being conceptualised in a number of places. The master plan for the first, Lanseria Smart City, which will house between 350 000 and 500 000 people, is now out for public comment.
Progress is being made on several major water infrastructure projects, including Phase 2A of the Mokolo and Crocodile River project, and the uMkhomazi Water Project. The Infrastructure Investment Plan identifies road projects worth R19-billion, and work is under way to finalise project finance structuring. Also, resources have been committed from the fiscus to support the rehabilitation of the N1, N2, and N3 highways.
The R100-billion Infrastructure Fund is now in full operation. Its approved project pipeline for 2021 is varied, and includes the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme, which aims to provide 300 000 student beds, and SA Connect, a programme to roll out broadband to schools, hospitals, police stations and other government facilities.
