MEC Ismail Vadi has tabled the department's budget allocation of R6.2 billion and highlighted focus projects that will accelerate the provision of safe, affordable, accessible and reliable transport services, world class roads infrastructure as well as creation of job opportunities. The MEC tabled the budget to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on 5 July 2011.
Breaking down the department's plans for this financial year, MEC Vadi revealed that more than R1.2 billion has been allocated to roads infrastructure and maintenance programme. He indicated that the department has taken a strategic decision to focus on repairing, maintaining and rehabilitating roads network than on constructing new roads. Through the S'hamba Sonke Roads Programme, the department aims to create at least five thousand job opportunities. The programme will also capacitate and empower small, medium and micro enterprises with the objective of creating employment opportunities and contribute in expanding the business base in the province.
The department has, together with municipalities launched a campaign to repair potholes on municipal and provincial roads. The Lead SA's Pothole Brigade in Johannesburg is one such partnership and is yielding good results. An average of 40 000 potholes are repaired monthly.
The Department also identified roads for upgrading and these include the K46-William Nicol Drive, entailing the upgrading of the road from a single into a dual carriageway, the K15 - Phases 2 and 3, involving the upgrading of Adcock Road between Dobsonville and Protea Glen and thus improving mobility from Soweto towards Krugersdorp. The P126-Pinehaven Interchange upgrade will include the construction of an interchange over the N14 and the construction of 3 km long approaches, culverts and two bridges. Upgrading of arterial roads in Soshanguve, Katlehong, KwaThema, Kagiso, Khutsong, Refilwe, Ekangala and Sharpeville, as part of the 20 Prioritised Townships Project (PTP), will also receive attention.
Relating to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), the MEC welcomed the release of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project-Steering Committee Report that recommended a 20 percent reduction in the proposed e-tag toll tariffs. The Freeway Improvement Project is designed to upgrade approximately 560 km of provincial roads. Phase A1 of the project has upgraded 185 km of the existing road network.
On the rail rapid project, the Gautrain, he disclosed that a little under R2.2 billion has been allocated. The project stands out as a flagship public transport project of the provincial government and has developed a reputation for offering passengers a safe, convenient and affordable travel experience. He also indicated that over 110 000 direct, indirect and induced jobs had been created through this project.
On the issues of public transport infrastructure, he indicated that the department would focus on carrying out projects that promote public transport and these are the construction of two public transport transfer facilities in Zandspruit and Bophelong; the planning for a further three such facilities in Kyalami, Vanderbijlpark and Leratong; the construction of 16 km of walkways and bicycle lanes in Metsweding and West Rand municipalities; the distribution of 3 000 bicycles, through the Shova Kalula project, aimed at promoting the Green Campaign and broadening the use of non-motorised transport among scholars; the management and monitoring of bus subsidy contracts as well as the R1.6 billion allocation of these subsidies; the establishment of a Driver License Testing Centre at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown; and the establishment of two regional Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Bodies (TOLABs) in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
The MEC also made mention of the changes that are taking place at its trading entity, g-Fleet Management which has undertook to review its business model and strengthen its financial controls. The entity is responsible for the maintenance of government vehicles, transport support services and the buying of new vehicles. g-FleeT has since developed a turn around strategy with a view to becoming an efficient and competitive fleet management company.
