Madam Deputy Speaker, hon members, the ANC welcomes the announcement by President Zuma to commit government to further partner with the private sector in order to deliver faster and smarter services to our people. President Zuma said the recent World Cup did not mark the end of South Africa's infrastructure programme; rather a massive build-up programme in energy, telecommunications and water infrastructure was under way.
The recent World Cup has taught us to implement new ways of doing things. The ANC-led government will therefore work with the construction industry to ensure that the state meets some of the country's infrastructure development needs by 2013. Working in partnership will ensure that we achieve our objectives.
The country's infrastructure programme has seen an initial investment of R420 billion since 2005. The ANC therefore welcomes President Zuma's pronouncement that the next phase of growth in infrastructure investment must shorten the distances people travel and reduce the cost of transportation. Transport must bring services and economic opportunities closer to our people.
The infrastructure development programme must also benefit our broad-based black economic empowerment programme. This commitment is part of the ANC- led government's resolve to accelerate and expand its investment in public infrastructure. This includes expanding and improving the rail networks, public transport and broad operations in housing, dams and construction. [Time expired.] Thank you very much.