Building infrastructure

Investing in infrastructure is essential for achieving a sustainable economic recovery. Despite the immense setbacks brought on by the pandemic, government has continued to drive our ambitious infrastructure development programme.

Through innovative funding and improved technical capabilities, we have prioritised infrastructure projects to support economic growth and better livelihoods, especially in energy, roads and water management. Current infrastructure programmes are implementing labour-intensive construction methods to maximise employment, with a special focus on women, youth and people with disabilities.

The Infrastructure Fund is at the centre of this effort, with a R100 billion allocation from the fiscus over 10 years. To date, 34 out of 50 strategic infrastructure projects are in implementation stages, accounting for R281 billion out of a total budget of R340 billion.

Several catalytic projects to the value of R21 billion will be starting construction this year. Of this, R2.6 billion is contributed by government and the balance from the private sector and developmental finance institutions.

The Infrastructure Investment Plan is driving a range of projects in six sectors of our economy: energy, water and sanitation, transport, digital infrastructure, human settlements, and agriculture and agro-processing. These ambitious projects will boost the economy and reduce unemployment.

Over the next three years, general government infrastructure investment is estimated at R500 billion.

The Infrastructure Fund is being used to transform public infrastructure through blended financing solutions from the private sector, institutional investors, development finance institutions and development banks.

The fund is now working with state entities to finalise a pipeline of projects with an investment value of approximately R96 billion in student accommodation, social housing, telecommunications, water and sanitation and transport.

Student Housing The Infrastructure Programme aims to provide 300 000 student beds.

SA Connect This is a programme to roll out broadband to schools, hospitals, police stations and other government facilities.

The programme aims to reduce poverty by providing temporary work for the unemployed. Find out more about the programme here.