On 9 March 2022 Cabinet approved the first iteration of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050. The National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) 2050 was prepared by Infrastructure South Africa to present a plan for improved public infrastructure delivery to give effect to the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP). In August 2021 the plan was published for public comment and members were encouraged to provide input.

Government announced that a number of written comments had been received and that consultation included regional and continental bodies such as the Southern African Development Community and African Union Commission for Infrastructure.

NIP is of major significance for the future well-being of our industry. It provides for the development of the country’s infrastructure networks while aligning infrastructure development with socio-economic development. It also aims to generate employment and create opportunities for broad-based black economic empowerment initiatives.

The first iteration focuses on energy, water, freight transport and digital infrastructure. Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) will also develop a second version which will focus on distributed infrastructure and related municipal services.

“The goal of the NIP 2050 is to create a foundation for achieving the NDP’s vision of inclusive growth and Its purpose is to promote dynamism in infrastructure delivery, address institutional blockages and weaknesses that hinder success over the longer term, as well as serve as a guiding tool to build stronger institutions that can deliver on NDP aspirations. The NIP2050 identifies the most critical actions needed for sustained improvement in public infrastructure delivery. The NIP 2050 will have impact in the short term, but with longer-term imperatives also in view.”

Reference: www.gov.za

Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager