President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the SIDSSA (Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa) 2024, this afternoon, which kicked off on Sunday.
All eyes are on the SIDSSA for the announcement of about 12 infrastructure projects, due to start development in 2024/2025.
Some noticeable Regional projects already completed in 2022, include the R640 million Musina Ring Road, a transportation project launched to facilitate greater economic activity between South Africa and neighboring countries.
The second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water project is underway, with the construction of the Polihali Dam, which started in November 2022.
The R39 billion highlands project is expected to alleviate South Africa’s water constraints.
Additional projects include the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall, located in KwaZulu-Natal. By raising the wall from 85.98 meters to 93 meters, the country is boosting dam capacity from 23.9 million cubic meters to 43.6 million cubic meters, enhancing water supply for domestic, industrial and agricultural use in the surrounding region.
Other projects expected to receive centre stage at the SIDSSA, include the $3.9 billion Green Hydrogen Plant at the Coega Special Economic Zone.
Under the joint leadership of fuel supplier Hive Hydrogen South Africa and Japanese corporation Itochu, the giga-scale project is one of its kind on the globe.
Also sharing the spotlight, is Bid Window 5th and 6th round of South Africa’s Renewable Independent Power Producer Program (REIPPP), valued at $1.8 billion and $631 million, respectively.
In addition to the country’s energy sector, SIDSSA will also explore infrastructure developments in South Africa’s mining industry.
This includes the $626 million Seriti Coal Mine wind farm (with a caof 155MegaWatts), which is co-financed by Standard Bank and the Rand Merchant Bank.