President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for a robust infrastructure development programme as part of South Africa’s economic recovery efforts.
Speaking during a meeting of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission Council on Thursday, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of infrastructure development to the success of South Africa’s economic reconstruction and recovery plan.
He highlighted the role of infrastructure development in job creation and the enhancement of the investment climate in the country, adding that he welcomed the renewed focus on improving municipal water infrastructure and related services.
According to the presidency, the president spoke of the provision of quality water to all communities being essential for human health and well-being, economic development and the realisation of the constitutional rights of all South Africans.
The council received a report and recommendations regarding the large-scale strategic integrated projects and an update on the country’s infrastructure investment plan, the high office added.
Dominating the meeting’s discussion was the development of municipal water infrastructure — a complex area in which the council has identified challenges ranging from infrastructure failure (sewer spillages, potholes, leaks and solid waste on streets) to infrastructure service delivery interruptions (water cuts, electricity cuts, road closures and non-collection of refuse), the presidency said.
Water infrastructure was also affected by a shortage of technical skills in local government, poor infrastructure management practices and inadequate budgeting and expenditure on maintenance, the meeting noted.
The council meeting brought together the president, his deputy David Mabuza and other members of the national executive, premiers, executive mayors, the leadership of the South African Local Government Association and the country’s state-owned enterprises.
NM/jn/APA