Govt projects may be postponed

Johannesburg - Under the stress of current economic and financial circumstances some infrastructure projects may need to be deferred, while others may be brought forward, Deputy Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene told Parliament on Wednesday.

However, he said the country could take pride in the performance of its construction sector in completing several stadium projects in time for the Confederations Cup, and next year the country will showcase ten magnificent stadiums on an even larger world stage.

An important phase of the Gautrain project will be completed for 2010, and a number of major road network improvements and hotel expansions will also be completed in time for the increased visitor and traffic flow in a year's time, he added.

"There will be a brief lull in construction in the middle of next year, in order to minimise disruption during the World Cup, but then we will get back to work again," Nene said.

"The next phase of Gautrain and of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme will continue. Major electricity supply construction projects are already scheduled for the next five years and beyond. The rail freight and passenger service rehabilitation programmes have just begun. The momentum of investments in water infrastructure and reticulation needs to gain further impetus. There is still much to be done in improving rural roads and land conservation works," Nene said.

He added that demand for electricity over the next two or three years is likely to be somewhat lower than was projected a few years ago.

"It seems clear, on the other hand, that we need to accelerate investment in housing and rural infrastructure associated with agricultural development opportunities."

- I-Net Bridge