Users' attitudes and perceptions towards public infrastructure investment and implementation in South Africa.

Abstract

There is growing opposition to public infrastructure projects in South Africa in recent times, for example e-tolling and Gautrain projects. This study has been undertaken to focus on the factors that impact public perceptions and attitudes regarding public projects implementation. The objective is to recognize motives for such opposition and discover activities that may lead to successful public infrastructure projects. This study may assist future decision makers and project planners mitigate against these factors. Data for the study was collected at various fuel and Gautrain stations in Gauteng using questionnaires and was analysed using the quantitative methodology. According to the study, the major impact on whether public projects are opposed or accepted is the lack of information and communication regarding the specific projects. The clear message is that decision makers and planners of public infrastructure projects must be cognisant of the processes that are utilised when planning and implementing projects. These processes should be transparent and the information regarding infrastructure projects must be available and accessible to the general population. Access to information has the potential of building mutual trust in the long term. Stakeholder or community engagement plays a major role in the success or failure of any project especially public infrastructure projects. Most organisations have implemented stakeholder engagement as part of the project planning process and this has led to successful projects, so public projects should not be an exception.