Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has issued a firm commitment to tackle the growing crisis of failing municipal infrastructure projects, acknowledging that years of neglect, technical shortages, and poor project management have left many communities without essential services. Speaking on the sidelines of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa 2026, held in Cape Town this week, Zikalala said that Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) is now pivoting its focus squarely on the challenges facing local government.
“We have seen too many projects stall, collapse, or fail to deliver any tangible benefit to communities,” Zikalala said. “Infrastructure South Africa is working directly with municipalities to identify bottlenecks, provide technical support, and ensure that projects are not only completed but maintained for the long term.” He emphasized that the organisation is also addressing the severe shortage of skilled engineers, project managers, and technicians at the municipal level—a gap that has been a key driver of project failures.
The Deputy Minister noted that the government is exploring partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions to build capacity and transfer skills to local government teams. He also highlighted the importance of improving procurement processes, which have often been exploited for corrupt purposes, resulting in overpriced and under-delivered projects.
Zikalala’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over the state of municipal infrastructure, with many towns and cities grappling with crumbling roads, dysfunctional water treatment plants, and dilapidated community facilities. Civil society organizations have welcomed the Minister’s focus, but have urged that words be matched by swift action and measurable outcomes.
As Infrastructure South Africa deepens its involvement in municipal projects, the pressure is on to turn the tide on years of decline. For millions of South Africans, the promise of better infrastructure is not just a policy ideal—it is a daily necessity that too often goes unfulfilled.
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