Gauteng rolls out 13-point plan to fix infrastructure, fight mafias

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23-09-2025
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The Citizen Online
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The Gauteng Provincial Government has unveiled a 13-point strategy to restore critical infrastructure, combat construction mafias, and revitalise CBDs, positioning infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has introduced a comprehensive plan to address failing infrastructure, root out construction mafia syndicates, and improve project management across the province.

According to a statement from the GPG, the 13-point plan – announced by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during his State of the Province Address in February – places the repair of vital infrastructure and the revitalisation of central business districts at its core.

The provincial government said the strategy redefines infrastructure as a catalyst for economic development, job creation and societal transformation.

Lesufi has repeatedly acknowledged the severe deterioration of some provincial infrastructure, citing it as a major barrier to economic growth.

Factors contributing to the crisis include historic under-maintenance, vandalism by organised syndicates, pressure from construction mafias, and widespread project management failures.

To address these issues, the government has established an Infrastructure War Room to monitor risks, secure funding –particularly through public-private partnerships – and drive recovery strategies for critical projects.

The Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) has also launched the Infrastructure Delivery Platform to fast-track stalled projects and improve transparency with client departments.

Contracts with non-compliant service providers have been terminated, and a blacklist of restricted suppliers is being compiled for the National Treasury.

In addition, the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) has been centralised within the DID and tasked with revitalising and commercialising government-owned properties in Johannesburg’s CBD.

This approach aims to convert underutilised assets into income-generating resources that stimulate growth and create jobs.

To combat construction mafia syndicates and related crimes such as cable theft and vandalism, the matter has been escalated to the Gauteng Essential Infrastructure Task Team.

This multi-agency unit, led by SAPS and supported by traffic authorities, Eskom, and Transnet, will conduct intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal networks.

Heads of Department will be held accountable for incomplete projects, with performance contracts now including clauses to reduce and eliminate unfinished work.

Furthermore, unemployed youth recruited through Nasi Ispani 2.0 will be trained in plumbing, electrical installation, construction, and plastering.

These trainees will help complete and maintain provincial infrastructure, reducing reliance on external contractors.

The provincial government said these interventions are designed to secure sustainable infrastructure for the future, restore public confidence, and create opportunities for economic advancement.