Question NW1644 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
19 May 2022 - NW1644
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with regard to the funding of green infrastructure, particularly Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) that deal with green energy, Green Bonds have been applied for as a funding mechanism; if not, why not; if so, (a) for what projects and (b) what (i) is the total monetary value applied for and (ii) was the outcome of the specified application; (2) whether she approached the Green Climate Fund for funding; if not, why not; if so, (a) for which projects, (b) what is the total monetary value applied for, (c) what was the outcome of the specified application, (d) what total number of green projects are gazetted as SIPs have proceeded since the date of gazetting and (e) what is the progress on the green SIPs projects?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
1. I have been informed that the Department did not apply for Green Bonds because Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 28, is viewed as an integrated approach to rolling out Renewable Energy and resource efficiency in Government buildings. The programme provides for engagement of various institutions such as Development Finance Institutions and Multilateral Banks, with various engagements currently underway. Green Bonds have however not been applied for. DPWI and GTAC are assessing all local and international Green Building/Infrastructure funding instruments, with focus on sustainable and cheaper funding. In this regard, discussions are underway with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) on their green infrastructure and climate funds; (b) (i) No monetary value has been attached to the application, (ii) no outcomes have been reached. The expectation is that all projects under SIP28 will be funded, given the interest of DFIs and green funding institutions.
2. The Department and GTAC are currently engaging the DBSA to participate on SIP28 through the DBSA’s Green Climate Fund and related funds. Actual monetary values to be potentially made available, should DBSA come on board, have not yet been discussed. Keen interest to participate has however been shown by both the DBSA and the IDC; (b) Discussions have not matured to a level of monetary value discussions; (c) Discussions are still underway; (d) All SIPs have actions linked to implementation within the current Financial Year (e). SIP28 has finalised and assessed Requests for Information (RFIs) and a process is currently underway for Client Engagement for signing of Framework Agreements/ MoUs and necessary applications with National Treasury in order to go out on a Request for Proposals (RFPs) by Q2 this Financial Year.