Although the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) continues to face numerous challenges, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has noted that there are visible signs of progress in improving governance and service delivery.

This was part of an update that he gave at a Portfolio Committee meeting on March 5 on the progress made in the department since he took office eight months ago.

Among the key initiatives implemented in the DPWI under Macpherson is the establishment of a Special Projects Unit within the department to revive stalled infrastructure projects and prevent future failures.

Another significant measure is the restructuring of the Prestige Unit, which was previously responsible for the Nkandla scandal. This unit now falls under the direct oversight of the director-general, and unchecked spending has been curbed, including the elimination of R20-million in unauthorised expenses.

The DPWI has also taken steps to address the issue of the construction mafia. A historic agreement, known as the Durban Declaration, has been signed between the South African Police Service and the National Treasury to improve cooperation and put an end to construction site stoppages.

Additionally, 31 public properties valued at R1.4-billion have been released for requests for proposals under the first phase of redevelopment. This is expected to attract R10-billion in private investment and create 165 000 jobs.

Other reforms include the initiation of a process to reform procurement regulations within the department to blacklist non-performing service providers. The DPWI is also working with Treasury to reform public-private partnership regulations, making it easier for the private sector to invest in public infrastructure projects.

Several investigations into allegations of corruption have been launched, including those related to the failed nearly R1-billion Telkom Towers project and the PSA Oxygen Plant Tender at the Independent Development Trust.

Macpherson pointed out that the DPWI was also focused on revitalising small harbours, such as Hout Bay Harbour, to transform them into economic hubs that create jobs and drive investment.

Also, a first-of-its-kind project preparation fund has been launched with a budget of R180-million to prepare and package infrastructure projects across government. The first bid window of this fund was oversubscribed, indicating strong demand and investor confidence in the country’s infrastructure pipeline.

A pilot programme called ‘Adopt a Municipality’ has been introduced through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission to ensure that infrastructure budgets are optimally used and delays in project execution are minimised.

Additionally, reforms have been initiated within the Expanded Public Works Programme to provide participants with a pathway to permanent employment.

“The progress we have achieved in the eight months since taking office . . . will help turn South Africa into a construction site, grow the economy, and create thousands of new jobs. However, in the months ahead, we must expedite the work we are doing to ensure that South Africans across the country experience the department’s efforts to improve their lives.

“While we face a number of challenges, we are working to overcome them and enhance service delivery. I have no doubt that, by working together, DPWI will play a leading role in building a better country for all South Africans,” Macpherson said.