Maintain, build new infrastructure
Madam,
,nfrastructure problems in the country are mounting, and pot holes are all too common. &ould this be a sign that we are fast becoming a ‘failed state’. ,f (s watini is to improve its economic prospects, it will have to take more concerted efforts to better maintain its infrastructure as well as build new infrastructure.
$ shining example of this is ,ndonesia, which in 01 found itself in a precarious economic situation. Back then, ,ndonesia was listed among 0organ 6tan ley’s ‘fragile’ five economies. But ever since -oko :idodo, popu larly known as -okowi, became President of ,ndonesia in 01 , the country has turned a corner. ,ndonesia today is regarded as
an economic success story with a GDP growth of more than five per cent in 0 . The country is expected to grow at a similar rate this year. $ key facet of :idodo’s success has been to focus on im proving infrastructure, particular ly during his first term.
MAINTENANCE
,nfrastructure holds the key to better days in the country but the key question, though, is how we start to fast track our infrastruc ture development and mainte nance. There are three factors that can be considered driving up gross fixed capital formation, establishing a centralised master plan and maintaining our existing infrastructure better and con sistently, through planning and technology. Gross fixed capital
formation is an investment that is ploughed into the economy in plants, machinery, equipment and buildings.
:hen it comes to improving its infrastructure rollout programme, the government should consider developing a cohesive integrat ed master plan that connects all sectors of the economy and soci ety, from health to infrastructure, telecommunications, education and more.
,f a new stretch of road is being developed in a town or village, it should be planned in such a way that it ties into other critical needs of the town or village’s residents. The road could, for example, connect to a new hospital, thereby providing greater health access.
Bongani Mthombeni