In the State of the Nation Address this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the government’s commitment to invest R940 billion in infrastructure over the next three years. This signals a decisive step towards economic growth, but the success of this investment hinges on effective maintenance and asset management. This is the view of enterprise asset management specialist Pragma, and the company notes that South Africa already has proven solutions in this field.
"Ramaphosa's commitment to infrastructure investment creates an opportunity to build a more functional and efficient public infrastructure network. But, as we've learned from our work across 46 countries, successful infrastructure development is not just about building new assets – it's about maintaining existing assets, and newly built assets, effectively," says Bani Kgosana, Chief Revenue Officer at Pragma.
“In the State of the Nation Address, the president highlighted that many municipalities lack technical skills and are not reinvesting revenue into infrastructure upkeep. This is where South African innovation and expertise can make a difference.
"We've seen firsthand how proper asset management can transform service delivery. When a large metro's electrical support services implemented our solutions, they achieved a 2 500% increase in operational output. This is about maintaining infrastructure and, importantly, it’s about maximising the return on every rand invested in public assets," Kgosana adds.
The emphasis in the SONA on establishing professionally managed utilities for water and electricity services aligns with the successful models Pragma has already implemented. In the healthcare sector, for instance, Pragma's partnership with Tsebo at Albert Luthuli Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal demonstrates how public facilities can achieve excellence through proper asset management.
"The president spoke about the positive impact of scheduled maintenance at Eskom, which has led to a more stable electricity supply. This approach can transform water management, healthcare facilities, and other utility services at provincial and local government levels. Pragma has provided solutions for several municipalities. These include financial management, fleet, water and waste asset management solutions that have resulted in substantial savings, lower environmental risks and significant efficiency gains," Kgosana says.
In the SONA, President Ramaphosa said, “As we work to reform the public service and build the capability of the state, we will harness technology to transform the way that government works.”
Pragma agrees that technology can be transformative. Through its own experience the company has shown that successful infrastructure management requires three key elements:
- Smart technology deployment through solutions like Pragma’s On Key enterprise asset management software
- A network of skilled local contractors who can respond quickly to maintenance needs
- Rigorous tracking and reporting systems that ensure accountability.
With this approach the company has already delivered significant savings for public institutions. In the refuse management department of one metropolitan municipality, for instance, something as seemingly simple as proper tyre management saved the local authority R10 million annually, and the solid waste department reduced overdue vehicle services by 90%.
"We' ae calling on municipalities and government institutions to embrace proven South African solutions. Together we can ensure that historical infrastructure investment delivers lasting value for all South Africans," Kgosana concludes.
For more information visit: www.pragmaworld.net