Government has set modest targets for the rollout of broadband in 2015.
Giving his State of the Nation Address last night, President Jacob Zuma says the goal is to connect eight district municipalities this year.
These are Dr Kenneth Kaunda in North West, Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga, OR Tambo in the Eastern Cape, Pixley ka Seme in the Northern Cape, Thabo Mofutsanyane in the Free State, Umgungundlovu and Umzinyathi in KwaZulu-Natal, and Vhembe in Limpopo.
“Government has also decided to designate Telkom as the lead agency to assist with broadband roll out,” the president says.
He adds that the infrastructure programme continues to expand transport networks and to improve roads.
“The Department of Transport will spend about R9-billion on the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant or the Sihamba Sonke Programme and R11-billion on upgrading and maintaining roads which are not tolled.
“Over R6-billion will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks during this financial year. We will also continue to improve the infrastructure in schools and higher education institutions to create a conducive environment for learning and teaching.”
New school will also be built, president Zuma adds. “Through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative which is part of the national infrastructure plan, 92 new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under construction. About 342 schools have received water for the first time.
“Three hundred and fifty one schools have received decent sanitation while 288 have been connected to electricity.”
Government has identified 16 sites for the construction of 12 new Technical and Vocational Education and Training College campuses and the refurbishment of two existing campuses, he adds.
“Work is also continuing to establish the three brand new universities: Sol Plaatjie in the Northern Cape, the University of Mpumalanga and the Sefako Makgatho Allied and Health Sciences University.”
