Proposed Infrastructure Development Bill, CBE Bill & CIDB Bill: DPWI briefing; with Deputy Minister

Video The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) briefed the Portfolio Committee in a virtual meeting on the progress of outstanding legislation, including the Public Works Bill, the Infrastructure Development Amendment (IDA) Bill, the review of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) Act, and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Amendment Bill. Since the last engagement, the DPWI has met with the legal drafters to enhance the Public Works Bill, which has led to the development of eight chapters. This Bill aims to modernise and standardise public works governance and introduce a new framework for asset management. It would replace the outdated legislation to ensure efficiency and accountability. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Minister of Finance had not yet engaged regarding the IDA Bill. This engagement would pave the way for how the Bill should be reconfigured. The proposed draft amendments would be taken forward only after this engagement. During the legislative workshop, it had been advised that a socio-economic analysis needed to be presented. The CBE had proposed amendments to the Act in the form of a concept document to the DPWI, which would have to consider and advise the CBE. During the legislative workshop, the CBE had been advised to conduct a socio-economic analysis. It was anticipated that the socio-economic analysis would be provided on 28 February, and the determination would be made thereafter. The provincial consultations on the CIDB Amendment Bill had been concluded in November last year. All the inputs had been populated in the analysis matrix and were being analysed. Thereafter, a draft response would be provided to the executive authority for consideration and further advice. Following that process, the Bill would be sent to the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor for final certification. It had been recommended that the Bill go to the National Economic Development and Labour Council for consideration, due to the provisions being applicable to the private sector. It was only after this process that the Bill could be taken to the Cabinet with a view of introducing it to the parliamentary processes. The tagging of the CIDB Amendment Bill would then determine the role that the DPWI would play going forward. Members asked what the difference was between what had been presented in September 2024 and this meeting, and the reasons for the delay. Concerns were raised about the state of the country's public infrastructure. The Committee expressed its desire to assist the DPWI in moving forward.