Infrastructure Development provides business opportunities

The Infrastructure Development Bill is aimed to tackle with the operational handling of the allocated R4-trillion of funding for infrastructure projects over 15 years. It formally institutionalises the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission (PICC), chaired by the president and mandated to facilitate and co—ordinate the Strategic Integrated Projects (currently 18 SIPs). SIP are strategic public infrastructure development projects in various sectors, including the promotion of regional clusters and corridors. The Minister on Economic Development briefed MPs on the bill on 12 November.

Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Economic Development (Photo credit: World Economic Forum)

Content

The Bill introduces steering committees comprising all stakeholders in the implementation of each SIP, chaired by the relevant minister. Additionally, the bill provides, amongst other, the following:

• The PICC is given the power to expropriate land necessary for a SIP. The property is protected according to constitution and legislation. The compensation will take into account the market value and additional criteria, like public purpose and public interest.
• The Minister is equipped with regulatory powers.
• The allocation of budget for the operations of the steering committee is to be ensured by the chairing minister.
• The bill is to tackle with corruption related to infrastructure projects.

Public submissions and hearings by parliament

The parliamentary portfolio committee on economic development intends holding public hearings on the Bill on dates still to be confirmed.

The written submission should indicate an interest in making a verbal presentation to the Committee. Comments can be emailed to Ms Noluthando Skaka at [email protected] by no later than 16:00 on Friday, 22 November 2013.

For Public hearings’ dates and other enquiries, please contact Ms Noluthando Skaka on tel: (021) 403 3751 or cell 083 709 8520.

[Infrastructure Development Bill]