Transport Minister Barbara Creecy noted with concern that in many provinces the road network was rapidly degraded by the increasing traffic of trucks carrying manganese, iron and coal.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Monday called for a collective responsibility to prevent vandalism of public infrastructure, particularly the road and rail network.
“During the seventh administration we must work together at all levels of government to protect our transport infrastructure,” Creecy said.
The minister made the statement during the budget vote for her department in the National Council of Provinces.
Creecy said her department will during this term look for innovative ways to fund road upgrades and maintenance.
She said they will study the front-loading mechanism the Northern Cape developed together with the Development Bank of Southern Africa. The partnership has apparently helped to address housing project shortages and was envisaged to focus on development and maintenance of provincial roads.
“I hope the transport MEC will study the pilot project as a model for future collaborations between development finance institutions and the provincial government.”
Creecy noted with concern that in many provinces the road network was rapidly degraded by the increasing traffic of trucks carrying manganese, iron and coal.
“Much of this freight should be transported via rail, but due to vandalism and infrastructure damage on the rail network, the increase in heavy duty trucks has led to a range of unintended consequences including road accidents and fatalities,” she said.
The minister said the freight and rail migration plan aimed to divert rail-friendly cargo back on the railway lines as part of the work of the national logistics crisis committee.
Creecy also said the recovery of the passenger rail system was a key step to making the roads safer.
Prasa has recovered 31 of 40 passenger rail corridors and allowed access to 268 stations nationwide.
“Passenger rail remains the cheapest and safest commuting option. Work will continue to rehabilitate and open up more strategic commuter corridors and this will ensure that the public can rely on a safe, secure, punctual and affordable public rail system that will not hinder their participation in the economy.
“The replacement and upgrading of signalling equipment at recovered rail corridors is a positive development that will further revitalise our passenger rails system.”
Creecy said Prasa has resignalled six of the lines it operated, including the Cape Town-Simon’s Town and Mabopane-Pretoria line.
“Work is continuing to be done to rehabilitate the Cape Town Central line and relocate households currently occupying sections of this important line.
“The spirit of co-operative governance requires the City of Cape Town to work with Prasa and the national government to revitalise the Central line and bring it back to services.
“Such collaboration is essential in addressing the challenges facing our sector,” she said.
Creecy added that consultation regarding the devolution of rail would take place through the national devolution strategy for rail which would be tabled later this year.
“Capacity and economic sustainability remain key considerations in the development of this policy.”
Creecy also said smaller airports could offer important regional economic and social services that could unlock growth and job creation potential in rural parts of the country.
“During this term of government we will revisit the national airport master plan so that we can consider the strategic role smaller airports can play in the transport ecosystem.”
The minister added that her department would upgrade navigation equipment at airports and more than R400 million has been allocated for Air Traffic Navigation Services over the next two years.
“Allow me to take this opportunity to assure the airline industry that I have met with ATNS who have told me every effort is being made to complete the maintenance programme for instrument flight procedures,” she said.
Creecy applauded the provinces for stabilising the taxi industry and resolving conflict while beginning the formalisation process.
“During this term I pledge to work with the industry to ensure it takes its place in a safe, greener ecosystem.
“We will work together to decrease the levels of conflict and violence which pose a significant risk to the sector and also to commuters,” she said.
Cape Times