Industry organisation the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (Saice) says it is committed to collaborating with government to address the nation's infrastructure challenges and foster economic growth by so doing.

Saice acknowledges the vital role that infrastructure plays in advancing the nation’s development, alleviating poverty and achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Saice looks forward to engaging the new Cabinet to address the infrastructure disparities identified in the Saice Infrastructure Report Card (IRC), it adds.

This includes strategic means to address the challenges faced in the transportation, energy and water sectors, as well as the need for innovative funding mechanisms, good governance and the professionalisation of the civil engineering industry.

Reinforcing technical capacity in public institutions and ensuring technical decision-makers are involved throughout the infrastructure project lifecycle are essential steps to ensuring good governance and a sustainable economy.

"Through collaboration, Saice aims to drive excellence and innovation in civil engineering to meet societal needs and by working with government, we can drive the necessary reforms and attract the required investments to revitalise South Africa's infrastructure to unlock its full economic potential.

"While the Saice IRC of 2022 highlighted areas needing improvement with an overall grade of 'D', it also presents an opportunity for collaboration and innovation to enhance our public infrastructure," it notes.

"By working together, we can ensure these critical systems meet the nation's needs and support a sustainable future."

South Africa benefits from comprehensive policy frameworks, such as the National Development Plan (NDP 2030) and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, which offer a strategic roadmap for infrastructure investment and economic growth, Saice says.

"Saice remains dedicated to promoting growth, excellence and sustainability in the industry, and we look forward to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with government to achieve these goals."