President’s call to turn SA into a construction site welcomed

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement to turn South Africa into a construction site through increased infrastructure investment and support for Infrastructure South Africa. Infrastructure South Africa is, said the Minister, the central authority for the coordination and planning of major construction projects. 'As Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I have publicly mentioned that my focus for the department will be to unleash a wave of construction projects in the country to increase South Africa's economic growth and create sustainable jobs. 'I therefore welcome the President's support for my department's endeavours as we work to improve the lives of our people,' said the Minister in a statement, following the President's Opening of Parliament of Address, on Thursday. 'The only way we can meaningfully bring change to the South African people and improve living conditions is if we grow the economy and create jobs which can b e achieved through infrastructure investment - an approach which enjoys the full support of the President as mentioned in his Opening Of Parliament Address. I have no doubt we will be successful,' he said. The Minister said his focus will be to expand and capacitate Infrastructure South Africa for the efficient and successful execution of construction projects, as well as working with other government departments to improve the long-term planning and execution of infrastructure investment. Macpherson further welcomed the President's commitment to address the rise of the construction mafia which has paralysed infrastructure investments in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal. The Minister said he looked forward to working with his colleagues across the Government of National Unity, in particular the Minister of Police, to restore the rule of law at construction projects, in order to safeguard investment in infrastructure that can contribute to building a better South Africa. 'It is only through working together that we can build South Africa to truly live up to the ideals of democracy. In the months ahead, I invite all South Africans to join me in unleashing infrastructure development and building a better nation. Let's build South Africa,' Macpherson said. Source: South African Government News Agency