South Africa Needs To Improve Infrastructure Project Management, Funding – Ramaphosa

THEBE MABANGA

SOUTH Africa needs to improve its infrastructure project management capacity, especially in government, as well as financing for early stage, high-risk phase of infrastructure projects.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the Infrastructure South Africa project preparation Roundtable, which was held in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The event brought together government, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), private banks and representatives of pensions to explore ways of funding South Africa’s infrastructure needs.

Ramaphosa told the Roundtable that South Africa is working to rebuild its economy after the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Before the outbreak of COVID-19, South Africa was already experiencing slow growth and rising unemployment. The pandemic worsened an already dire situation, severely disrupting economic activity and putting numerous investments on hold,” said Ramaphosa.

Infrastructure delivery has been touted as one of the key pillars of reviving the economy and is seen as crucial to reducing