The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has allocated more than R9 billion for infrastructure development in the 2026/27 financial year, with major investments planned for schools, hospitals, roads and digital connectivity across the province. Presenting the provincial budget, Mlungisi Mvoko said infrastructure development remains central to improving service delivery while stimulating economic growth and job creation.
Mec Mvoko said the investment will strengthen essential services while supporting long-term development across both urban and rural communities. In the education sector, government has allocated R2.3 billion for infrastructure projects in 2026/27, rising to R6.5 billion over the medium term, to support the construction, upgrading and maintenance of schools. The funding will go towards building new classrooms, improving sanitation and maintaining school facilities to ensure safe and conducive learning environments for more than 1.5 million learners in the province.
Healthcare infrastructure is also receiving significant investment, with over R1.7 billion allocated in 2026/27 to modernise hospitals, expand rural clinics and strengthen emergency medical services. Planned projects include the construction of new maternity wards, theatres, mortuaries and staff accommodation at Madwaleni and Greenville hospitals, upgrades to emergency facilities at Livingstone Hospital and the construction of a new clinic in Cebe Village. The province is also strengthening transport infrastructure, with R2.7 billion allocated for road maintenance and upgrades during the financial year, and R6.6 billion over the medium term. The funding will support the rehabilitation and improvement of key provincial roads, including routes between Dutywa and Ngcobo, Humansdorp and Hankey, and the N2 to Ntabankulu Road in the Alfred Nzo district.
Other major projects include upgrades to the Quenera Lagoon access road in Buffalo City Metro and the start of phase three of the road connecting Willowvale and the Dwesa Nature Reserve. The province will also continue work on the Welisizwe Bridges Project, which aims to improve access to deep rural communities and enhance connectivity in remote areas. In addition to transport infrastructure, government is investing in digital connectivity to support economic development and improve access to government services. Over the medium term, R1.3 billion has been allocated for broadband infrastructure, which will improve connectivity between Bhisho, Mthatha, KuGompo City, Komani and Qonce.
MEC Mvoko said strengthening infrastructure delivery will remain a priority for the provincial government, noting that improved oversight and stronger contract management will be implemented to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Public infrastructure must be delivered on time, within budget and to the required standards. Every rand lost through inefficiency is a rand taken away from service delivery to our people,” he said. The infrastructure programme is expected to play a key role in improving service delivery, supporting economic activity and expanding opportunities for communities across the Eastern Cape.
