meeting today
6 March 2006
Public utilities have thrown their weight behind the effective
implementation of the Gautrain rapid rail link.
A meeting today between Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and managers of
Eskom, Telkom, Rand Water, Egoli Gas and cellphone providers cemented an
agreement on the movement of utilities to make way for the Gautrain.
Shilowa was accompanied by members of the Gautrain political committee
including Public Transport, Roads and Works MEC Ignatius Jacobs, Local
Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu, Gautrain project leader Jack van der Merwe and
Gauteng Director General Mogopodi Mokoena.
The meeting stressed the importance of all utilities working together with
government to ensure effective planning. This was crucial in ensuring the
implementation of the Gautrain within the agreed timeframes as well as in
minimising any inconvenience and disruption which may result from the moving of
the utilities.
The Premier again emphasised the importance of the Gautrain as a public
transport project of national importance that would serve as a catalyst for an
integrated transport system. Gautrain would be the backbone of this integrated
public transport system which would involve taxis, buses and Metrorail playing
a central role.
He added that Gautrain stations would serve as both transport and economic
hubs and would serve to stimulate local economies in the areas they were
situated.
"Apart from the economic and transport objectives that had been set for the
project, the Gautrain would benefit the long term sustainability and growth of
the Gauteng economy improve the quality of life of all its citizens and
reducing pollution," he said.
"Arising from today we can really begin to work as a team and realise the
vision of the Gautrain," said Shilowa.
A high level forum consisting of representatives of the public utilities
will be established to oversee and coordinate the relocation of the utilities
within agreed timeframes.
Contact:
Annette Griessel
Cell: 082 563 3614
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
6 March 2006
