FREE TO READ | Infrastructure backlog needs public-private partnerships to deliver
While signs of government commitment to infrastructure are encouraging, projects still need the private sector to assist in their successful implementation
24 May 2024 - 11:24
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Partnerships are needed to ensure delivery of ambitious infrastructure projects. Picture: 123RF/juanenriquedelbarrioa
SA continues to underspend on infrastructure despite setting itself a target of at least 30% of GDP by 2030, resulting in the country lagging other faster-growing economies when it comes to infrastructure spend.
The consequence of this underspend is being felt in the economy with inadequate investment in critical infrastructure such as energy, rail, road and ports.
Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa), says the publication of Infrastructure SA’s book of projects is an encouraging sign that government plans to ramp up infrastructure delivery.
The problem, he says, is that though many of the projects included in Infrastructure SA’s Construction Book look encouraging, if history is any indication, very few of them will materialise.
While government tends to falter when it comes to implementation, that’s where the private sector excels, says Campbell, which is why public-private partnerships need to be facilitated.
Browse through the full magazine below (zoom in or go full screen for ease of reading):
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
FREE TO READ | Infrastructure backlog needs public-private partnerships to deliver
While signs of government commitment to infrastructure are encouraging, projects still need the private sector to assist in their successful implementation
SA continues to underspend on infrastructure despite setting itself a target of at least 30% of GDP by 2030, resulting in the country lagging other faster-growing economies when it comes to infrastructure spend.
The consequence of this underspend is being felt in the economy with inadequate investment in critical infrastructure such as energy, rail, road and ports.
Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa), says the publication of Infrastructure SA’s book of projects is an encouraging sign that government plans to ramp up infrastructure delivery.
The problem, he says, is that though many of the projects included in Infrastructure SA’s Construction Book look encouraging, if history is any indication, very few of them will materialise.
While government tends to falter when it comes to implementation, that’s where the private sector excels, says Campbell, which is why public-private partnerships need to be facilitated.
Browse through the full magazine below (zoom in or go full screen for ease of reading):
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