While government has made progress in improving policies affecting the built environment, such as the Public Procurement Act, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO Chris Campbell warns that policy improvements alone are not enough; they must be effectively implemented to address the critical challenges hindering infrastructure development.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Engineering News ahead of CESA’s yearly Infrastructure Indaba, which takes place on March 18 to 19, Campbell highlights that while policy reforms set the foundation for progress, their impact is ultimately determined by execution.

“We’ve seen well-intentioned policies introduced over the years, but without proper implementation, they remain words on paper.”

Further, he points out that many infrastructure projects stall because decision-makers either lack the technical expertise to implement policy directives correctly or fail to enforce accountability measures when projects run into delays, corruption, or mismanagement.

“We need to move beyond drafting policies and start ensuring they work in practice. That means investing in skills, monitoring compliance, and holding people accountable when regulations are ignored,” he adds.

Meanwhile, he asserts that several pressing concerns continue to threaten the country’s infrastructure.

One of the most significant challenges remains the issue of delayed public sector payments.

“Despite the government’s commitment to a 30-day payment cycle, many contractors and service providers continue to experience late payments, putting businesses under severe financial strain and delaying essential projects. We need stricter enforcement of this policy, along with clear accountability measures for those responsible for non-compliance,” Campbell adds.

Another major concern is the dysfunctionality of many municipalities, which fail to maintain critical infrastructure such as roads and water systems.

Campbell points to a lack of skills within procurement and bid evaluation committees, where officials often do not have the necessary technical expertise to make informed decisions. This results in contracts being awarded to companies that lack the capacity to deliver, leading to poor project execution and significant financial losses.

He calls for urgent upskilling of public officials involved in infrastructure procurement, as well as the establishment of cross-functional teams that include technical professionals to improve decision-making and project oversight.

Corruption, inefficiency, and criminal activity further exacerbate the situation. Campbell warns that many municipalities are struggling to meet water demand due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and financial mismanagement. In some cases, funds allocated for infrastructure development are misused or diverted, leaving communities without essential services.

“The growing trend of businesses and citizens relocating to other provinces due to water insecurity is particularly concerning, as it negatively impacts economic growth, job creation, and investment in affected regions.”

He argues that ring-fenced budgets should be introduced at the municipal level to ensure that infrastructure maintenance is prioritised, with provincial and national government structures closely monitoring expenditure and holding municipalities accountable.

“Crime and vandalism also pose significant threats to infrastructure sustainability,” he adds.. Illegal connections to water and electricity networks, along with the theft and destruction of public assets, severely hamper service delivery. Campbell insists that law enforcement must take a firmer stance against these activities, ensuring that offenders are prosecuted and that security measures are put in place to protect vital infrastructure.

A key solution to these challenges, he says, lies in fostering stronger public-private partnerships.

While some cities, such as Cape Town and eThekwini, have successfully implemented collaborative initiatives between government and the private sector, the need for similar approaches across the country is becoming increasingly urgent. “Partnerships with private sector experts can help professionalise municipal infrastructure management, introduce better governance practices, and improve efficiency in service delivery,” he believes.

Campbell adds that this year’s  Infrastructure Indaba, being held at the Indaba Hotel, in Fourways, north of Johannesburg, will address these critical issues impacting infrastructure development and also serves as an important platform for engagement between stakeholders in the built environment, facilitating discussions on best practices, policy implementation, and the future of South Africa’s infrastructure landscape.

Campbell believes that by bringing together key decision-makers, the event can help foster trust and collaboration, ultimately driving meaningful change in the sector. He hopes that attendees will gain valuable insights, network with industry leaders, and leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the infrastructure space.

As the country grapples with ongoing infrastructure challenges, Campbell remains adamant that urgent interventions are required to prevent further decline.