official opening of the Ventersburg Truck Stop
3 March 2006
In response to the need to address issues of reducing the cost of logistics
to the economy, enhancing the value proposition that customers receive,
improving the quality of underlying asset base but also to ensure that social
and economic objectives are met within the freight logistics systems, last year
the Department of Transport launched the National Freight Logistics
Strategy.
Only recently, in January this year more than 244 000 trucks were moving our
country's freight. In January alone 1 875 trucks were sold, this goes to show
that our road freight transport is indeed growing with enormous speed. As
truckers put it "If trucks were to stop, South Africa will stop".
We also know that there is a high rate of accidents on our roads and one of
the factors that have been identified as contributing to this problem is
fatigue, and this includes truckers, especially with the distances they have to
travel transporting goods. The N1 carries many long-distance freight vehicles
between Cape Town and Gauteng. Ventersburg being the only town in the Free
State through which the N1 passes has been a convenient place for long-distance
truck drivers to park. However, this has resulted in road safety hazards,
excessive noise levels and damage to the internal town streets, as well as a
threat to public health.
The construction of this Truck Stop is therefore a groundbreaking
development for road safety. This facility will serve the purpose of both a
truck stop and a rest area, which will have ablution facilities and showers,
street area lighting and security fencing with controlled access as well as a
medical facility. The provision of a medical facility, we hope, will contribute
to raising the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS by truckers and assist those
affected by it. As we know there is high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among truck
drivers.
Also important to note about this project is that the contract was designed
in order to maximise local labour content as well as the value of work given to
black entities. The contract to the value of R5.2 million was awarded to
Momotheka Trade 1133 cc. In accordance with the contract, a minimum of 50% of
the total work had to be procured from black entities. This particular land on
which the Truck stop is constructed is owned by the Matjhabeng Local
Municipality and this will enable the Municipality to manage and maintain the
facilities after completion.
I trust that the Ventersburg Truck Stop will remain a safe and reliable
facility to assist our truck drivers by giving them a relaxing atmosphere
through their demanding and tight schedules. We are indeed proud to be part of
this project, which will make life easier and safer for our truck drivers.
I thank you,
Issued by: Department of Transport
3 March 2006
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.transport.gov.za/)
