South Africa to create 100,000 jobs in infrastructure

Around 50,000 to 100,000 people may get new jobs in the construction sector in South Africa in the government goes ahead with its large-scale infrastructure plan, state-run news agency BuaNews reported.

The plan was announced by President Jacob Zuma during the State of the Nation address in February.

Over the next three years, the government plans to invest billions in infrastructure projects that include dams, roads, schools and rail systems.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has listed 43 major projects that would cost 3.2 trillion rand (around $430 billion).

A massive overhaul of the country’s public transport system is also on the cards, the report said.

The central government and state enterprises are expected to allocate funds estimated at 262 billion rand ($35 billion) over the next three years for transport and logistics infrastructure.

In the rail sector, acquisition of new passenger coaches will be made a priority in the next 20 years. Around 3600 trains are expected to be purchased in each of two 10-year batches.

The government would replace the entire existing fleet over this 20-year period.

A minimum of five new rail depots will also be required for the new trains at a total cost of 4.6 billion rand. Further, infrastructure amounting to 13.5 billion rand will be made to enhance the benefits of the new coaches.