Transparency over costs crucial in infrastructure upgrades

The Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta) has called for transparency in the costing of infrastructure upgrades across the region. According to Fesarta executive director, Barney Curtis, it is imperative that the entire process around infrastructure be done in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. The matter, however, he told FTW remains unconcluded after being brought to the forefront at the first stakeholder workshop of the SADC regional infrastructure development master plan (RIDMP) in December last year. “This is a very important issue that has to be resolved and we will table it again at the Truckers’ Forum in March,” said Curtis. “The fact that plans for new infrastructure and upgrades are not transparent is a major problem in the region. Our feeling is that one can never do a big project without involving the private sector, who ultimately pay for the project in the end.” He said the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project was a perfect example of infrastructure being upgraded without transparency. The project, which has been placed on hold due to the massive public outcry over costs, is currently under investigation by the new Sanral board. “On a regional scale it is therefore even more important to ensure that there is transparency,” said Curtis. “The transparency need not go as far as the successful tenderer’s internal financial situation but should include some crucial aspects.”