The Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA) welcomes Government’s reaffirmed commitment to infrastructure investment as outlined in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). This commitment provides an important foundation for economic growth, improved service delivery, enhanced investor confidence, and sustainable job creation.
While the continued allocation of resources towards infrastructure development is encouraging, CASA underscores that the ultimate measure of success lies not in budget allocations alone, but in the efficient and timely delivery of projects. The construction industry remains a critical enabler of economic development, and the accelerated implementation of infrastructure programmes is essential to achieving the intended social and economic outcomes.
Commenting on the MTBPS, CASA President, Musa Shangase, stated:
“The commitment to infrastructure investment is both welcome and necessary. However, South Africa’s greatest challenge is not the allocation of funds, but the effective execution of projects. Infrastructure delivery must move beyond planning and budgeting towards implementation that delivers tangible benefits for communities, businesses, and the economy.”
CASA remains concerned that persistent project delays, procurement inefficiencies, administrative bottlenecks, and capacity constraints continue to undermine the impact of infrastructure investment. Delayed projects restrict economic activity, impede service delivery, and limit employment opportunities across the construction value chain.
To maximise the benefits of infrastructure spending, CASA calls on Government and all stakeholders to prioritise:
- The acceleration of procurement and contract award processes;
- Improved project planning and preparation;
- Strengthened technical and project management capacity within implementing authorities;
- Prompt payment throughout the construction value chain;
- Greater certainty and transparency regarding the infrastructure pipeline;
- Enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors;
- Decisive action against construction site disruptions, extortion, and criminal activities; and
- Stronger accountability for project delivery and expenditure outcomes.
CASA believes that infrastructure delivery must become a national priority. Every delayed project represents lost economic opportunities, unrealised jobs, and postponed benefits for communities. South Africa possesses the resources, expertise, and capacity to build. What is now required is urgency, accountability, and decisive execution. CASA calls on all spheres of Government to accelerate delivery and ensure that infrastructure investment translates into visible and measurable outcomes for the country.
