Transport and Public Works

Question by: 
Hon Nobulumko Nkondlo
Answered by: 
Hon Bonginkosi Madikizela
Question Number: 
18
Question Body: 
  1. What are the plans in the infrastructure spend aimed at fixing social and economic infrastructure in townships and small towns particularly in historically disadvantaged communities and (b) including details of the (i) nature of the plan, (ii) time frames, and (iii) budget?
Answer Body: 
  1. The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) is the lead department, in collaboration with the departments of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Human Settlements and Economic Development and Tourism, driving the vision Inspired Priority (VIP) 4: Mobility and Spatial Transformation.  Under this priority area, the plan is to create human settlements that are inclusive and efficient spaces of opportunity, i.e. places where lives have value no matter where people live and work. Whilst these living environments need to be self-sustaining economic nodes, they are strategically linked to each other through an efficient public transport network. Mobility and spatial transformation are intrinsically linked to the realisation of a better society for all by having a fundamental impact on a set of variables: the distance between where people live, work and access services; the quality of these services; the manner in which these services can be accessed; the costs associated with these variables; and the safety of the spaces within which transactions occur. To give effect to the objectives outlined above and in line with relevant departmental mandates, the following focus areas, targeted interventions and core actions are planned: 1) improve the places where people are living; 2) create spatially and vibrant economic growth points; 3) establish better linkages between places; and 4) create more opportunities for people to live in better locations. To this end, throughout its operations, the DTPW is acutely aware of the enormous socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa. The Department is fully committed to playing its part in the realisation of the goals and objectives set in the National Development Plan, the WCG’s VIPs, as well as goals identified in the Provincial Recovery Plan. The DTPW has placed maximising job creation through the execution of its infrastructure mandate as one of its core objectives for the Strategic Plan period. In giving effect to this objective, the Department will explore further mechanisms through which a better appreciation can be obtained of the socio-economic challenges and opportunities in locations where infrastructure is delivered. In this regard, an innovative partnership with the private sector is foreseen, mindful that every attempt will be made to secure the sustainability of construction industry companies at a time when the sector is under severe stress. Opportunities will be explored to increase labour-intensive methodologies in construction and maintenance programmes. A key turnaround success factor is creating a platform for engagement, collaboration and the formulation of joint solutions. The DTPW’s ongoing Contractor Development Programme (CDP) will continue to play an important role by creating new training opportunities, especially for previously disadvantaged and small-scale contractors. Furthermore, the Department will continue to implement the Empowerment Impact Assessment (EmPIA) Tool that informs the design and construction process of specific departmental projects in excess of R5 m and which measures the actual impact on historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs). Work opportunities for our youth and women will be created through the construction and maintenance programmes of the department.
  2. The plan as expressed above will be realised through an infrastructure led growth strategy. The details of the DTPW infrastructure initiatives as well as the provincial infrastructure planned projects for the MTEF are tabulated in the 2021 Overview of Provincial and Municipal Infrastructure Investment document tabled with the Provincial Budget and available on the Provincial Treasury Website.

Should there be any difficulty in accessing this information in these forms, you are welcome to approach my department for assistance.

Date: 
Friday, March 26, 2021
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