Exploring the causes of the delays in the public infrastructure development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The South African Government bears the responsibility for the infrastructural development of the country and its provinces, which entails the implementation of plans, guidelines, policies, and relevant legislation, alongside allocated budgets, to direct infrastructural growth. Despite the existence of these plans and funds designated for infrastructural reform in KwaZulu-Natal province, significant backlogs and slow progress in infrastructure development persist. Various challenges have been reported that hinder the progress of infrastructural projects and exacerbate the backlog. Consequently, many communities struggle to access basic social and economic infrastructure, while existing infrastructure continues to deteriorate. This study aimed to address several key research questions, including the primary causes and consequences of project delays, the differing perspectives of the main stakeholders involved in the provincial government development projects, and the identification of mitigation measures to minimise cost overruns and delays in future projects. Minimising the delays will ensure fast economic growth that will have a positive impact on the alleviating of unemployment and poverty in the province. The research endeavoured to explore the causes of delays in public infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to uncover the root causes contributing to service delivery backlogs. These backlogs hinder the province and the country from achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) goals of poverty eradication and inequality reduction by 2030. Data for the study was collected through interviews with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works, which oversees provincial infrastructure and government property management. Participants included department officials and selected project teams. Additionally, secondary data was gathered from various sources, including reports from the Auditor General, Public Service Commission, KZN Legislature, as well as the Department Annual Performance Plans, and Annual Reports. The study identified several key themes as factors contributing to the delays in public infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal.