2006
22 May 2006
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link Project will be ready to roll by mid-June 2006
and there will be no turning back.
Gauteng Finance and Economic Affairs MEC Paul Mashatile made the
announcement last week at a meeting with business leaders and Gautrain
stakeholders in Johannesburg.
An Early Works contract was also signed at the meeting, making it possible
for construction on the 80 km stretch of railway line between Johannesburg and
Pretoria to finally get underway.
The Early Works contract also paves the way for the smooth procurement of
land and clearing of utilities from properties along the route while
negotiations are still being finalised.
"There is no turning back now, the Gautrain has reached a point of no
return," said Mashatile.
Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and the Gautrain committee
returned from the United Kingdom last week where further consultations were
held and the go-ahead given for the interior and exterior design of the speed
train. According to Gautrain spokesperson Barbara Jenson, details hereof and
the branding logo will be made public at a later stage.
Earlier this month Gauteng Public Transport, Roads and Works MEC Ignatius
Jacobs announced that the Enabling Works contract will commence before the end
of May 2006, with an anticipated duration of five months.
The Initial Works contract includes the relocation of utilities that are
currently positioned in areas where they will impact on the construction of the
Gautrain. These include water, electricity and telephone lines among
others.
The scope of work also includes certain road upgrades, demolition of
identified buildings and the installation of site offices. This work needs to
be undertaken prior to the start of construction on Gautrain in those specific
areas to ensure a smooth transition and to minimise disruption to the
public.
Mashatile said the projects is expected to create 120 000 formal and
informal jobs and contribute one percent to the country's gross domestic
product. Construction on the rail link is expected to run for 54 months.
For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Provincial
Government's portal at http://www.gautengonline.gov.za.
Issued by: Department Finance and Economic Affairs, Gauteng Provincial
Government
22 May 2006
Source: SAPA
