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5 Jun 2012

Government is moving with speed to implement the country’s infrastructure plan, Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel declared at the launch of the inter-governmental forum for Strategic Integrated Project to unlock economic opportunities in the North West province held in Brits recently.

The launch meeting was attended amongst others by the North West Premier, Thandi Modise and her Executive Council (EXCO), KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, Public Works Minister, Thulas Nxesi, Transport Minister, S'bu Ndebele, Mayors, municipal managers and senior government officials.

Minister Patel said that the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) is working on guidelines to ensure clear coordination among different provinces as they embark on various infrastructure programmes.

“In order for us to achieve our infrastructure development plan, we need to move with speed when it comes to implementation process.

We need to make sure that there is appropriate development of new skills which will be in line with our infrastructure development plans,” he said.

Patel said in order to achieve the plan basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation should be delivered to all the communities in the country.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe earlier this month said government was ready to roll out the infrastructure plan which lists 17 strategic integrated projects that cut across rail, road, schools and hospital construction.

The projects cover a range of economic and social infrastructure across all nine provinces with emphasis on poorer regions.

Welcoming the infrastructure plan in the province, North West Premier Thandi Modise said her province will work together with all relevant stakeholders to make infrastructure development plan a success.

“We need to work hard as the province to make sure that our roads and rail infrastructure are properly built and maintained. We need to build school and clinics for our communities, this plans can only be successful if we work together, the private sector, local, provincial and national government,” said the Premier.

In his State of the Nation Address, earlier this year, President Zuma announced that South Africa will spend billions of rands over the coming years on new infrastructure.

He said government will focus on building rail, road, and economic links in five regions in the country and building new universities and refurbishing hospitals.

The government's massive infrastructure plan is driven and overseen by the PICC, which was set up in September last year.

Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
Fax: 086 620 4802
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za

Issued by: North West Office of the Premier
5 Jun 2012

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