Transport links get priority in budget

ED RICHARDSON
TRANSPORT LINKS throughout South Africa will be improved through the allocation of billions of rand in the 2006 Medium Term Budget tabled in parliament by finance minister Trevor Manuel on October 25. Transport-related allocations announced by Manuel include: • R764 million is allocated for emergency funding in response to flood damage in Taung and the recent flood disasters in the three Cape provinces, to cover repairs to roads, bulk infrastructure and housing. • The consolidation of Metrorail into the South African Rail Commuter Corporation, including operational losses
of R180 million and
R439 million to maintain the employee benefits of former Metrorail staff • R6.7 billion for public transport initiatives and supporting infrastructure around the World Cup • A further R1.1 billion for the South African Rail Commuter Corporation, bringing the total transfer to the corporation to R15 billion over the next three years • R28 billion of additional funds for spending on electrification, roads, commuter rail, housing, bulk infrastructure and research and development.