Infrastructure development key to economic and social transformation
JOBURG - Gauteng’s infrastructure requirements and plans were put under the spotlight as the province hosted the inaugural Infrastructure Investment Conference at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
The conference was aimed at finding ways to accelerate infrastructure development within the province. Gauteng government spokesperson Thabo Masebe said business practitioners, researchers, academics and other key role players were also present to discuss infrastructure investment opportunities between the private sector and government programmes.
“Deliberations centred on strengthening partnerships and collaborations between government and the private sector in the quest to build Gauteng as a globally-competitive… region and a preferred destination for investment and tourism,” said Masebe.
He added that the conference also touched on building new mega-human settlements and post-apartheid cities, rolling out massive public transport infrastructure, broadening the energy mix to support economic growth and development, investing in ICT infrastructure and broadband connectivity, and creating an aerotropolis, which is a city created around an airport, to re-industrialise and boost manufacturing.
According to a statement issued by Masebe, Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Hadebe said Gauteng has the potential not only to maintain its position as the economic engine of South Africa, but it also has the ability to expand its economic and social contribution beyond its borders. This would require constant and targeted investment by both public and private sectors, especially in physical infrastructure, he said.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura appealed to representatives from the private sector in attendance to invest in public infrastructure projects as infrastructure can put the brakes on an economy or it can accelerate it.
The chief executive officer of Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nicky Newton-King, also reiterated the premier’s plea for private sector investment, saying that businesses must heed the call to get involved.
At the conference, businesses pledged support to Gauteng’s infrastructure plan. While pledging to invest in public infrastructure, businesses also appealed to government to create an enabling environment for investment. Chief executive officer of Alexander Forbes, Edward Kieswetter said businesses are generally attracted to places where there is a high concentration of people, openness by government, clarity and certainty, and consumer purchasing power.
To comment on the story go to the Midrand Reporter Facebook page
