Tender goes out for creation of new transport master-plan

LEONARD NEILL an accurate, central data bank with up-to-date land-based transport information is urgently needed to speed up cargo movements throughout the country, says the Department of Transport. This is one of the major requisites it has detailed in a pre-qualification tender, which closes on September 14, in which consultants are called on to help in the creation of a new transportation master-plan. There is also a need to assess the value of obsolete rail rolling stock lying around at various points, inadequate rural access to transport, and the increasing cost of maintaining transport infrastructure. The department is aiming to achieve maximum use of the existing infrastructure in a plan which it wants in place and fully operational by 2015. Sustaining transport’s contribution to the country’s economy, the introduction of state-of-the-art rolling stock for both freight and passenger use, and the optimal use of land are all part of what is envisaged in the tender. Further details can be obtained by contacting the department in Pretoria, or calling (012) 309-3713.