(AsgiSA) Annual Report 2008 - South African Government Information

Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
ANNUAL REPORT
2008
Although there has been steady improvement in the systems by which infrastructure provision and
operation is monitored, the absence of an appropriately located planning capability in government has
constrained more effective integration of infrastructure provision. In this regard, The Presidency-led
Programme of Action initiative on planning function options for government could provide a solution
to this impediment.
The review of constitutional powers and functions that is being conducted by government (DPLG process)
will have a significant impact on infrastructure delivery. As outlined above (particularly in the
areas of electricity distribution, water and housing), the capacity and willingness of the respective
constitutionally designated authorities to allocate adequate resources to deliver the respective infrastructure
service is often a constraint to accelerated infrastructure delivery.
National Treasury’s recent and pragmatic adoption of a differentiated approach towards the provision of
grants to municipalities, which exhibit different capabilities and capacities, may point to the need for
more flexibility and pragmatism in dealing with infrastructure backlogs and challenges. Depending on
the outcome of the DPLG’s review of the role of provinces, the different tiers of government may unite
to defend what they regard as their constitutional rights – but with regard to infrastructure, it is clear
that the rationale on which 1994’s constitutional decisions were taken, were done on a basis that does
not reflect the realities and challenges of policy implementation in 2009.
5.3.2 Improving operational efficiencies
The problems of maintenance and professional and efficient operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure
have been alluded to across the spectrum of infrastructure. Such inefficiencies are not only
confined to social infrastructure at local government level but extend to some of the country’s largest
SOEs. Indeed, improvement in SOE infrastructure efficiencies are core components of the key performance
measures listed in the shareholder compacts and should be given greater prominence.
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