Gauteng transport MEC reveals plans for R6.2bn budget

ANNA COX GAUTENG WILL begin implementing government’s Freight and Logistics Strategy this year, Gauteng MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works Ignatius Jacobs said when he announced his R6,2 billion 2006/07 budget. “Our plans include updating Gauteng’s freight data bank, ongoing co-ordination of City Deep’s inter-governmental structure, and the development of a provincial freight and logistics implementation framework based on the national strategy,” he said. The provincial framework will be finalised by September 2006. Jacobs said that from 2004 to date, his department had put in place all the necessary strategies and frameworks to turn around transport infrastructure so that it tangibly begins to contribute to shared economic growth and development in Gauteng. “One of the challenges that the province faces is the strain on its road networks that are already struggling to cope with a growth rate of 7% per annum, particular areas of chokepoints and congestion and a general inability to support heavy good vehicles that use almost all roads in the province. “The other challenge is to ensure that construction of new road networks and other transport infrastructure spatially, economically and socially builds, supports and sustains an integrated multi-centred urban network.” The province intends building a system that will include a road-based network designed for public transport modes, private car users and for road freight as well as a rail-based network for passenger rail and rail freight. It is envisaged that the road- and rail-based networks will be integrated in terms of spatial planning where possible.