Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa November 2018 | Page 12

COVER FEATURE
Transport Infrastructure
Remains a Chief Vehicle
for Economic Growth
BY HERBERT PHAHLANE
F
or any country, the transport infrastructure networks are
some of the most important assets it can have – not only
in pure monetary value, but also the socio and econom-
ic gains that the transportation of people, goods and services
brings. Our modern lives are increasing characterised by our
ability to travel, transport assets and goods, and remain con-
nected with other players in the economy.
In South Africa, considering the extent of our
transportation related assets - the sheer kilometres length
of roads, coverage of our rail networks and not to mention
aviation and maritime transportation - collectively make it one
of our largest national assets. Additionally, just like any system
would grow around a framework of infrastructure, so too do
economies - because if you can’t move goods, services and
people around, your economy stagnates. Transport networks
therefore have a critical role to play in unlocking potential at
micro and macroeconomic levels within the mainstream and
second economies in the country.
But, are we planning and implementing transport projects
to get the most out of the opportunities that exist, for today
and well into the future? I believe not, and – with my past
experience in the public sector and having moved to the
private sector - here I’ve outlined my views on what I believe
we should be doing differently.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine
 Integrated, long-term planning
This should go without saying but, given the current state of
prioritisation of infrastructure projects, it needs to be said. We
need a long-term vision that encapsulates how people will live,
work and play – and well beyond 2030.
 here are transport infrastructure projects and plans being
implemented, or are in the pipeline. But, have we undertaken
any kind of ‘impact assessment’ process to understand – not
just the traffic impact, but - if the projects currently being fast-
tracked are in fact the right projects; to get the backlog moving,
increase transport capacity and as a direct result, influence positive
economic growth?
Effective implementation of transport infrastructure projects
should be considered in earnest – of what will benefit people,
communities, trade and industry. And, in that order. This will
better enable us to design based on what the future demand on
transport networks will be – to allow us to potentially leapfrog
current implementation constraints and get ahead of the demand
curve that will support sustainable development and growth
going forward. 
Driving the vision through collaboration
The bigger picture must involve the integration of major
transportation infrastructure projects with provincial and
municipal development. It must also take into account planning for