Failure of rail forces focus to corridors

The importance of corridors should not be under-estimated as they are key drivers of economic growth, said MEC for transport and public works in the Western Cape, Robin Carlisle. Addressing delegates at the March Transport Forum at the Centre for Supply Chain Management at the University of Stellenbosch, Carlisle said corridor development and maintenance were placed high on his department’s agenda as they brought about economic growth. “We cannot rely on rail in this country – it is non-existent. We therefore have to invest in our corridors as they bring mobility and economic growth,” he said. “We are continuously looking at ways to improve our corridors and invest large sums of money to ensure they are functioning well.” He said in one instance some R200 million had been spent on one corridor alone. “If rail was doing its job we would have a different scenario, but at present our corridors have to be extraordinary as the economy relies on them.” He said one of the major corridors in the Western Cape currently receiving attention was the R44 linking Stellenbosch and Somerset West. “We have to sort out this section of road as it is a key corridor for us and at present the congestion is giving us nightmares. The road itself is in a very good condition, but it poses some challenges that have to be addressed.” He said the national corridors such as the N1 and the N2 were always a focus as they linked Cape Town with the rest of the country. “These roads are for the most part kept in a good condition by Sanral and our focus is not necessarily on road works. I do believe it is important that we get rail up and running to parallel these roads as we cannot continue to move all our freight on road – it is just too expensive.” Carlisle said with good corridors in place not only did one ensure mobility of people and goods, but also major investment, which ultimately results in economic growth.