MEC Ismail Vadi on Post State of the Province Address

During his State of the Province last week, Gauteng Premier David Makhura delivered a comprehensive, wide-ranging and candid appraisal of the performance of the 5th administration in Gauteng.

The Premier spoke at length on the investments on public infrastructure projects made by the provincial government which has exceeded R30 billion in the past three years.

As the department, we will continue with our Public investment in transport infrastructure as it is integral to the transformation of apartheid spatial form of the Gauteng city-region

As Premier Makhura announced, the expansion of the Gautrain Rapid Rail system feasibility study as well as plans for integration into the broader modern public transport system have been completed.

The proposed alignment will have a link from Mamelodi in Tshwane to Jabulani in Soweto, crossing the N1 freeway at Samrand. Nineteen (19) new Gautrain stations are being planned, including a link to Lanseria Airport.

The expansion - registered with National Treasury as a Public-Private-Partnership project - has the capacity to create more than 211 000 direct jobs.

The Premier further announced an extensive road construction and rehabilitation programme aimed at improving mobility, social inclusion and economic growth.

This included the provincial government plans to construct a new freeway, namely, the PWV15 to support the development of the Aerotropolis and the Tambo-Springs Inland Port. The freeway is envisioned to assist in alleviating congestion at the Gillooly’s Interchange whilst linking the N3 to the N12 and R21 road network.

On further upgrades to the road network, the Department of Roads and Transport will proceed with the construction of Phase 3 of the R82/Old Vereeniging Road; the extension of N14 dual carriageway on Dr Beyers Naude Drive in support of the Spar Distribution Centre being developed alongside the freeway; as well as commencement of road networks linked to Waterfall City and River City Developments in the new financial year.

MEC Vadi reiterated that the campaign against fraud and corruption, at driver and vehicle testing centres, in particular across municipalities is firmly on track. To this end, a significant number of officials are facing disciplinary action and/or criminal charges following an extensive two-year investigation relating to financial irregularities at various Motor Vehicle Registering Authorities (MVRA’s).

The MEC added that another investigation focusing on privately-owned vehicles testing stations (VTS’s) is also complete and will result in further action against government officials and business owners.

This is for issuing vehicle roadworthy certificates for vehicles not even brought into these stations. MEC Vadi cautioned that “public servants and citizens in Gauteng should get the message that fraud and corruption does not pay; you will be caught out and action will be taken against the perpetrators who aim to corrode our democracy and corrupt the system”. 

In his address, Premier Makhura acknowledged the pioneering role played by the taxi industry in advancing genuine black economic empowerment.

He committed to empowering and strengthening relationship with the industry to participate meaningfully in province’s economy.

This will include participation in the development of BRT systems, the expansion of Gautrain services as well as participation in the industry supply and value chains.

For more information, please contact:
Melitah Madiba 
Cell: 073 644 9935 
E-mail: Melitah.madiba@gauteng.gov.za

Province

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