Civil Engineering September 2021 | Vol 29 No 8

Civil Engineering September 2021 9 such plans and is perhaps one of the reasons why we have delays and lack of interest, broadly resulting in slow uptake. Some of the concepts indicated above require work to be done to re-enable or rebuild our infrastructure delivery system. If we have an enabled infrastructure delivery system, we will have little to no problem in project implementation in advancing any plan. The extent to which we have moved is not easy to assess. A simple recommendation is that project pre-feasibility and feasibility studies have to be done. In addition to the traditional business case requirements, feasibility study methodologies now have to incorporate new concepts such as the promotion of rel- evant sustainable development goals, technologies to be adopted, and opportunities for learning and knowledge creation, including research and development. In certain cases, we have to rethink our investment decision-making philosophy that is heavily biased towards meeting financial imperatives. A possible recommenda- tion is to consider the strategic motivations for project approval at an economic level and not at a project level, which may show that a much-needed project is infact not feasible. The third component is orienting the market to ready itself to- wards implementation of necessary projects with proven feasibility for economic reasons. Readiness in this case refers to soliciting the capacity of the markets to supply materials, labour and technology to mega projects. We have to look at 100% local sourcing, thereby forcing the market to mobilise to offer these products and services. Government should consider underwriting risks for such suppliers in addition to underwriting risks to potential investors. Ideally, suppliers to projects should come from the geography local to the projects or the client. The appointment of suppliers to maintain such assets should be localised as well. These enabling contribu- tions will make a positive impact on job creation and small-to- medium business development. There is much that needs to be done in order to make projects feasible. Weaving in the latest research in economic models, procurement methodologies, and technology, as it applies to infrastructure, can help to revise the corporate mandates of infrastructure development agencies in how they plan projects, take investment decisions, procure goods and services, and con- struct public assets. Incorporating a social bias towards providing sustainable infrastructure that supports resilient communities going forward is worth considering, for obvious reasons. Intimate knowledge of such concepts requires the formation of multiple working groups assigned to come up with the new way forward. In conclusion, this short article points towards the direction that we need to go if we are to address the country’s current severe socio- economic ills. I am certain that we don’t have the luxury of time to ponder matters, play the blame game and politic on issues that only hinder and further paralyse us in our journey forward. Let us unite against our economic pandemic and lead ourselves to success. Vishaal Lutchman SAICE CEO vishaal@saice.org.za Non-traditional, locally relevant and world-class transport. 27.1% of the population in South Africa spend over 30% of their monthly take-home pay on transportation. 60% of Africa’s population lack access to infrastructure. At Zutari, we believe that public transport needs to embrace technology to ensure a more streamlined integration of services. The fusion of new technology and people-focused design will lead to integrated, connected, greener, safer and more inclusive transport or mobility. Our integrated approach involves extensive stakeholder engagement, problem-scoping and the co-creation of solutions with our clients. This approach has earned us the trust of local municipalities, government agencies, commercial clients and public-private partnerships. Over the course of nine decades, we have become known for delivering world-class transport solutions that are locally relevant.