Gauteng infrastructure gets massive R30.6-m fillip

Physical infrastructure plays a central role in the supply of goods and services, making it a crucial government target, said Mandla Nkomfe, Gauteng MEC for finance. Speaking at a breakfast at the Wits Business School last week, Nkomfe said the relationship between the economy and infrastructure was critical in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. “As such, the importance of infrastructure investment as a catalyst for economic growth is even more compelling. The development of Gauteng as a global city region is contingent upon infrastructure development just as worldwide competitiveness of city regions is built around efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure.” This was the thinking behind the decision to award R30.6 billion of the 2012/13 budget to infrastructure development. He said funding would only be allocated to infrastructure projects ready for implementation. “The Department of Roads and Transport has been allocated R20 million for recruiting qualified and registered engineers from all disciplines and other technical experts. A further R15 million has been set aside for the Department of Infrastructure in this regard.”