Transport Minister, Honourable Dipuo Peters, MP and her counterpart, the Minister of Transport and Communications in the Republic of Botswana, Honourable Nonofo Molefhi, will sign a Transport Infrastructure Agreement that will see the two countries working together on a number of very important infrastructure projects.
The Upgrade of the Road and Bridges Infrastructure Development Initiatives between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Botswana entails cooperation in all designs, construction, financing, rehabilitation, maintenance and, if required, the upgrading of the road network at the various points of entry.
The details of the signing ceremony are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Time: 16h30
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel, Beatrix Street, corner Stanza Bopape (Pretoria)
Members of the media attending the event are requested to confirm their attendance with MotlatsiLebea on 073 323 9333 or via e-mail on Monarens@dot.gov.za
Additional information for editors
Agreement Regarding the Road and Bridges Infrastructure Development Initiative
The agreement refers to cooperation in the following: all designs, construction, financing, rehabilitation, maintenance and if required the upgrading of the road network at the various points of entry.
This Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) provides for a legal framework to coordinate and ensure completion of identified projects.
Representatives from the South African Roads Agency (SANRAL) have been in consultations with their counterparts in Botswana during the course of 2013. The consultations focused on the Environmental Impact Assessment and the project plans associated with the Notwane Bridge and the necessary improvements at the Ramotswa Bridge.
Upgrade of the Road and Bridges Infrastructure Development Initiative
The Regional Action Agenda Report was developed in March 2007 with the intention of identifying gaps, prioritizing projects and thereby promoting regional integration and development. The document is a practical action agenda which identifies initiative and projects that should be embarked upon to ensure regional economic development and integration. This will improve the competiveness of the Region through reduced transport costs and minimize delays in the movement of goods and commuters. As signatories to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology, South Africa is thus compelled to work with neighbouring member states to ensure efficient access to neighbouring SADC member states to achieve continental and regional transport integration which facilitates economic development.
The conclusion and signature of the agreement will assist in ensuring the projects identified in the agreement are implemented as agreed by the relevant stakeholders. The implementation of these projects will also allow for the uninterrupted use of the facilities and to provide safe conditions while crossing the respective borders.
