Infrastructure development was a focal point of President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday night. He noted that the National Infrastructure Development programme continues to be a key job driver and catalyst for economic growth.
He highlighted the importance of water for economic growth and pointed out that progress was being made in improving water supply to areas most affected by recent shortages.Expanding transport networks
President Zuma said the infrastructure programme continues to expand transport networks and to improve roads which augurs well for economic growth. “The Department of Transport will spend about nine billion rand on the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant or the Sihamba Sonke Programme and 11 billion rand on upgrading and maintaining roads which are not tolled. “Over six billion rand will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks during this financial year,” President Zuma said. Infrastructure in schools, higher education institutions He said government will also continue to improve the infrastructure in schools and higher education institutions to create a conducive environment for learning and teaching. He said through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative which is part of the national infrastructure plan, 92 new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under construction.About 342 schools have received water for the first time.
He said 351 schools have received decent sanitation while 288 have been connected to electricity. He said government has identified 16 sites for the construction of 12 new Technical and Vocational Education and Training College campuses and the refurbishment of two existing campuses. “Work is also continuing to establish the three brand new universities, Sol Plaatjie in the Northern Cape, the University of Mpumalanga and the Sefako Makgatho Allied and Health Sciences University,” President Zuma said.
