Infrastructure spending 'needed for SA growth'

20 August 2010

Spending on infrastructure in South Africa will be needed in order for the country's economy to continue to grow.

This is according to Henk Langenhoven, economist at the South African Federation of Civil Engineering (Safec), who spoke at the Rode Conference in Santon, Business Day reports.

He said: "We are still 60 per cent reliant on imports. They all have to come through roads, rail, harbours, airports."

Transport infrastructure needs to be improved to see further growth in these areas, Mr Langenhoven added.

At the moment, the economy is still recovering, but there is now more lending available to African countries, he noted.

Safec considers itself to be the "midwife" of South African development, with members closely involved in creating infrastructure opportunities.

It has been in operation for more than 60 years and projects include rail infrastructure, highways and dirt roads.

Electricity projects and sanitation schemes have also been carried out by the organisation's members.  

Category: General