How the R131 billion infrastructure pipeline will create jobs in the Western Cape

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09-02-2026
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Cape Argus
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Thousands of jobs are expected to flow from a R131 billion infrastructure pipeline as the Western Cape steps up delivery on major projects spanning health, education, transport, water, energy and economic development.

The Infrastructure Ministerial Committee (IMC), chaired by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, met on Friday with a directive to accelerate implementation of projects that are ready to move into construction, improve coordination across departments and ensure funding is aligned with delivery-ready developments.

According to the provincial government, the Single Integrated Infrastructure Pipeline consists of 52 priority projects valued at about R131 billion, identified for accelerated implementation across multiple sectors. Officials said several large and catalytic projects are moving steadily through defined delivery stages, from planning into construction.

In the health sector, enablement work is continuing on the New Tygerberg Central Hospital public-private partnership to ensure the project meets procurement and regulatory requirements. Of the two regional hospitals planned for the Cape Town metro, funding has been secured to continue planning for one, while professional teams have been appointed to advance planning for the other.

Education infrastructure projects already under construction were also reviewed. The Manenberg School of Skills is under active construction following site handover, while the Sunningdale Primary School build is under way to respond to rapid learner growth in the area. Dal Josaphat Primary School is progressing as a replacement facility that is expected to significantly expand learner capacity on completion.

The Department of Infrastructure reported that hundreds of provincial public works projects are currently under construction or nearing completion across health facilities, schools and general government infrastructure throughout the province.

The IMC also considered progress on integrated infrastructure investment work, which is packaging priority projects for blended finance, private-sector participation and development finance support. This approach, officials said, is intended to support faster delivery amid ongoing fiscal constraints.

Bulk water security and energy resilience projects are being coordinated through collaboration with the Water and Energy Council, with the aim of aligning long-term planning with broader infrastructure roll-out and economic development.

Simmers said the focus was on disciplined execution rather than announcements.

“Acceleration is about discipline and focus. It means choosing the right projects, funding them properly, and removing the friction that slows delivery,” he said. “What we are seeing is real progress. Projects are moving through planning, into construction, and towards delivery where it matters most.”

The IMC is expected to continue meeting regularly to address constraints, strengthen partnerships and ensure infrastructure investment translates into visible progress, economic growth and job creation across the Western Cape.