Challenges Facing Labour-Intensive Public Works Programmes and Projects in South Africa

Abstract

History has shown that labour-intensive methods of works have long been used in creating remarkable infrastructure works. Labour-intensive programmes generate more direct and indirect local employment opportunities and income by using locally available input and thus creating a greater demand for local products and services than high-technology programmes reliant on imported technology and equipment. Investment in infrastructure has a huge potential to redress the high unemployment and poverty levels in South Africa and also to correct the skill deficits in disadvantaged communities. From a theoretical perspective supported by experience elsewhere in Africa, there are reasons for considering that properly formulated labour-intensive public works programmes and projects could be established to construct and maintain the required physical infrastructure, thus creating employment, skills and institutional capacities. This paper will look at past African experiences in implementing labour-intensive programmes and projects with regard to their successes and problems. The paper will then critically look at the experiences and problems encountered in the implementation of labour-intensive public works programmes and projects in South Africa. The paper closes with some recommendations for the future.