Despite numerous government announcements and budget allocations earmarked for new infrastructure projects in South Africa, the country’s engineering sector, now more than ever, requires action rather than words, says industry body Consulting Engineers South Africa CEO Chris Campbell.
The initial enthusiasm regarding a drive to increase the number of construction projects is beginning to diminish, with many projects across the country seemingly delayed, owing to extended administrative processes.
“The flywheel”, as Campbell describes these pending infrastructure projects, could stimulate construction activity and investment from public and private entities looking to expedite development.
This would, in turn, result in increased economic activity, as “infrastructure investment has significant knock-on benefits for employment, service delivery and economic growth, but actual progress requires more action and less rhetoric”, he stresses.
Challenges in the form of geopolitical and economic factors, such as budget constraints, or a lack of investor confidence owing to many factors including corruption, have contributed to the dearth of projects.
