Parliament: Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Transport has expressed disappointment at the slow pace of development in the sector, and has called on the department to look into this.
This was raised during the department's budget vote. Committee Chairperson Ms Ruth Bhengu said the fact that there were still children who risk drowning by crossing rivers in order to get to school served as an indication that the department has not done enough to improve the road infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
This poor state of road infrastructure makes it difficult for communities to access public entities such as clinics. Ms Bhengu said transport costs were worrying. "It's still very expensive to travel - there has been no intervention that aims to reduce travel costs, especially for the poor," she said.
The Committee said the department must also look at traffic congestion in cities. It said this gives an impression of an inefficient and poorly regulated public transport system.
The Chairperson also said the lack of a clear road maintenance plan from the department has resulted in some of the goals of the Masakhane Campaign not being realised.
The Campaign was launched in 1995 by former president Nelson Mandela. It was aimed at supporting the broader process of political, social and economic transformation in the country. Its main focus was on improving the quality of life for all South Africans.
Ms Bhengu further called on the department to work more with other departments whose programmes have an impact in the work of the department. These departments include the department of Public Works.
For enquiries or interviews with the Committee chairperson, contact:
Mr Modise Kabeli
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 3403
Cell: 082 420 0063
E-mail: mkabeli@parliament.co.za
Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
2 July 2009
Source: Parliament of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za)
