Macpherson banks on ISA to turbocharge investment into infrastructure projects in SA

JOHANNESBURG - Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) has established a first-of-its-kind initiative that will allow government entities to apply for project preparation support. 

The government entity was established in 2020 to help with additional resources for infrastructure planning, management, and delivery.  

READ: Macpherson to launch probe into major failed public sector projects

At a media briefing on Tuesday, ISA revealed it has a multimillion-rand fund available to government departments that have existing projects but need extra assistance to get them off the ground. 

When a private company wants to build a housing project, it requires the relevant municipality to assist it with bulk infrastructure like roads, sewage, water, and electricity. 

READ: Govt to focus on incomplete infrastructure projects unattended to for years - Ramaphosa

If a municipality doesn't have enough money for this, ISA will come in to bridge the gap. 

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure - Dean Macpherson - said many projects fail due to insufficient preparation support. 

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"The launch of our project preparation bid window will help to turbocharge infrastructure investment in South Africa as it will ensure that more projects are shovel-ready sooner while increasing the trust the private sector has to invest in state infrastructure projects," said Macpherson.

Government entities have until Tuesday the 6th of December to apply for the ISA fund.