By Thapelo Molefe
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has unveiled an aggressive infrastructure expansion plan aimed at stabilising water supply, expanding rail networks, building new schools and securing long term electricity reliability in the province.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) at Nasrec Expo Centre on Monday night, Lesufi made it clear that infrastructure delivery will define his administration.
“As the economic heartland of our country, Gauteng should never be allowed to stop beating, for the consequences would be too dire for all of us,” he said.
Addressing the January water crisis triggered by an explosion at a Rand Water plant, Lesufi apologised to residents and defended government’s emergency response.
“On 27 January 2026, we were hit by an unexpected water shortage. Immediately thereafter, our water supply was deeply affected. We then went into emergency mode,” he said.
“The challenge is not water availability, but the interruptions caused
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