Civil Engineering December 2022 | Vol 30 No 11

8 December 2022 Civil Engineering T he Infrastructure Report Card (IRC) reflects the expert view of SAICE and its members on the current condition of a broad range of public infrastructure. Since its incep- tion in 2006, the IRC has become a reference document on the state of the broad range of infrastructure that facilitates economic and social activity for the nation. The goal is for the report to inform and influence all South Africans about the importance of protecting and enhancing the physical infrastructure that is so critical to daily existence and our common prosperity. The hope is that it stimulates debate and contributes to the improved use of infrastructure funding, especially for preventative maintenance. THE 2022 IRC For this report, SAICE undertook all the research itself with the assistance of volunteers from SAICE’s technical divisions, sister institutions and civic-minded experts. The IRC team analysed large volumes of detailed information and followed a rigorous process in preparing the report. The IRC is brief, considering that it covers so much of the country’s infra- structure, and the grades understandably average the large varia- tions in condition and performance that exist across the country. For the sake of brevity, the IRC only touches upon the external factors that affect the provision and care of infrastructure assets and the critical matters that must be addressed to improve their condition. This report is primarily a condition and performance assessment and does not prescribe remedies. However, SAICE is committed to publishing detailed bulletins on specific subjects, elaborating on this overview report and exploring recommenda- tions before the next IRC is issued. In each IRC, SAICE has progressively widened the scope of its scrutiny. In this report SAICE introduces fire engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), oil and gas pipelines, and coastal infrastructure, and reintroduces fishing harbours to the portfolio. The authors’ comments also touch upon the impact of global warming and other environmental fac- tors on infrastructure. 2022 I nfrastruc ture report card SAICE launches its fourth Infrastructure Report Card SAICE officially launched the SAICE 2022 Infrastructure Report Card for South Africa on 11 November 2022, highlighting the declining state of the country’s infrastructure which is generally considered ‘at risk of failure’. A: World class B: Fit for the future C: Satisfactory for now D: At risk of failure E: Unfit for purpose Infrastructure is comparable to the best internationally in every respect. It is in excellent condition and well maintained, with capacity to endure pressure from unusual events. Infrastructure is in good condition and properly maintained. It satisfies current demands and is sufficiently robust to deal with minor incidents. Infrastructure condition is acceptable although stressed at peak periods. It will need investment in the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework period to avoid serious deficiencies. Infrastructure is not coping with normal demand and is poorly maintained. It is likely that the public will be subjected to severe inconvenience and even danger without prompt action. Infrastructure has failed or is on the verge of failure, exposing the public to health and safety hazards. Immediate action is required. Table 1 Grading definitions SAICE 2022 Infrastructure Report Card for South Africa