Transport infrastructure well on it’s way

By Tina George
20 May 2008

Today the Transport Department has assured that the infrastructure put up would indeed meet the requirements of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Addressing the media at parliament today in the budget vote speech, Minster of Transport, Jeff Radebe said that the department is working closely with the Local Organising Committee to ensure that the event leaves behind a useful legacy in knowing that such infrastructure will continue to be invaluable in the transport needs of the people.

“The increased transport capacity for the FIFA World Cup will help resolve the limited transport capacity that is characterised amongst others by traffic congestions particularly during peak hour traffic.”

He added that the investment put into the Transport system has increased to R13.6 billion over the medium term expenditure framework through the Public Transport Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). The overall investment framework in transport infrastructure in addition to the PTIF;
· Road Infrastructure of R70 billion
· Access Roads of R3 billion
· Airports development of R19,5 billion
· Air Traffic Navigation R400 million
· Passenger Rail of R18 billion
· Taxi recapitalisation programme R7,7 billion
· Gautrain of R25 billion

In terms of the aviation sector, the department says its aims are to drive the capacity where revenue is expected to grow from R3 billion in 2007/8 to over R4,3 billion by 2010/11.

“This growth averages an increase of 12.1% per annum. ACSA in turn continues with its concerted infrastructure expenditure through developments at the various airports at a cost of over R20 billion to provide for the expansion of airport infrastructure,” says Radebe.

According to the Department, the South African Rail Commuter Corporation has been able to upgrade over 790 coaches which have since been deployed back into service.

“The SARCC has allocated an additional R300 million over the next 3 years to cover the basic improvement of facilities such as ablution, lighting and subways in over 130 stations this year, with over 75 stations either under construction or have been completed.”

Meanwhile he added that road safety remains a critical issue on our roads as more road casualities rob families of their members in the most violent ways.

“Despite this our Arrive Alive campaigns have yielded positive results with the reduction in car fatalities over the past festive season and Easter weekend,” says Radebe.

He concluded by saying that regardless of the challenges we face on matters of transport, the initiatives the department has taken will enable the country to have a better system in the long run.