Treasury has allocated over R400 billion to fund new roads and upgrades over the next three years. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
In his undelivered 2025 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has allocated a whopping R402 billion towards road infrastructure development for the next three years.
This investment aims to upgrade the country’s road networks, enhance road safety, and stimulate economic growth.
The funding is part of the R1 trillion, which is set to be used on public infrastructure projects by State-owned companies, public entities, national, provincial, and local governments over the next three years.
Godongwana is set to deliver a new Budget Speech on March 12 after Cabinet ministers from the Government of National Unity rejected his proposed two percentage point increase on Value Added Tax (VAT). Senior Treasury officials are only expected to comment on the Budget, once it has been revised and presented in Parliament later in March.
The proposed infrastructure funding on new roads has been welcomed by members of the public, however many stressed that the corrupt elements could misuse the money for personal gain.
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Sibusiso Dube, a Joburg taxi driver, spoke to IOL at the Bree Taxi Rank, expressing hope for better roads.
“This infrastructure development plan would come in very handy, especially at a time when our road infrastructure is in shambles, with potholes, collapsing roads and bridges,” he said.
“This money could be used to maintain the existing road network and also build new roads which will help ease the traffic congestion in the city centre and the roads going in and out of the city, and help reduce road accidents,” said Dube.
The road infrastructure allocation will focus on upgrading highways, repairing damaged roads, and expanding public transportation systems.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), who are responsible for the country’s national roads, would receive a significant portion of the funding, with R100 billion allocated to the agency.
The government's commitment to infrastructure development is a step in the right direction, said university student Lerato Khumalo* who spoke to IOL in Braamfontein. “This investment will not only improve road safety but also promote economic growth, job creation, and improved service delivery,” she said.
*not her real name.
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