Thank you Honourable Speaker for this opportunity to share with fellow citizens of Limpopo our review and programme of action for the 2011/12 financial year.
I am standing in this august House to present the 3.8 Billion Rand allocation to Roads and Transport, and essentially I will give a reflection on how this budget would impact on the people of the province, improve the economy and create jobs. Allow me to first pass my revolutionary greetings to all of my colleagues and comrades. I feel privileged and honoured to extend a word of heartfelt appreciation:
- To the Premier (in absentia), and colleagues who are Members of the Executive Council colleagues for leadership, comradeship and political support as part of the leadership collective of my home, the African National Congress (ANC);
- To the Members of the Provincial Legislature and the Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport for robust engagement and helpful criticism, which goes to show together we can do a lot more to improve the living conditions of the people of Limpopo;
- To the leaders and members of the opposition for playing their role in this House and other Committees of the Legislature. May I say to them as the ANC we serve ALL and we welcome constructive criticism;
- To the Mayors of Local Municipalities and Executive Mayors of District Municipalities: for inputs and co-operation in dealing with many local community needs and functions which are concurrent in nature especially matters relating to roads, public transport and traffic management. Your inputs are indeed valuable for the work in the department;
- To the Chairperson and Members of the Operating Licensing Board, Mr Modisha and Team for ensuring proper regulation and licensing of bus and taxi services. I know deep down that you work in a tough and challenging environment, and I urge to soldier on with no fear;
- To the Chairperson and Board of Directors of GAAL, Mr Gaby Magomola and recently appointed Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Zulu. I am mindful of your task to propel aviation in the province to greater heights. I am pretty certain you will rise to the challenge now that the airport is category 9 which qualifies us to fully render an international air transport service;
- The Chairperson and Board Members of Roads Agency Limpopo, Mr Sylvester Shipalana as well as the Chief Executive Officer, Ms Alice Mogotlane: may I thank you for sterling services and work of bringing roads to many parts of our province. Indeed it is a tough balancing act as the budget does match the needs of our communities;
- To the law enforcement agencies: Traffic Police, SIU, SAPS including Organised Crime we want to thank you for the valuable and co-ordinating role you play in reducing road crashes and fatalities as well as strengthening the fight against fraud and corruption in the traffic management environment;
- To Transnet Freight Rail, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, INTERSITE, road freight, bus and taxi industries and trade unions, and to the many private sector role-players for your contributions and support – technical and otherwise;
- The Taxi Council, driving schools, the Limpopo Chapter of South African Women In Transport for work being done as part of the transport family;
- Traditional and religious leaders for their guidance during the many consultations and engagements we have with them. Your inputs and support at our events is indeed truly appreciated;
- Finally, to the Head of Department, officials in the department, for dedicated work and support; and
- Distinguished guests, comrades and friends.
Honourable Speaker,
When he left active political life, former President Nelson Mandela said “I have walked a long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are more hills to climb”. We have learnt invaluable lessons as government that, as we deliver services to the people of Limpopo, the reality is that some challenges still remain. Tata Mandela left this long road in our hands, because he knew that it is in the capable hands of the African National Congress.
Driven by the never die revolutionary fighting spirit of Sefako Makgatho, Mme Charlotte Maxeke, Lydia Komape, Rashaka Ratshitanga, Bra Ike Maphoto, Pharephare Mothupi, Lawrence Phokanoka, France Mohlala, Peter Mokaba, Peter Nchabeleng and many liberation struggle heroes of our struggle, together with the people of Limpopo, we will walk this road until our goals of building a better Limpopo specifically, and South Africa generally is realized.
Roads and Transport today is a different kettle of fish requiring a different set of skills and capabilities. The Department was on Wednesday last week, 23 March 2011 at the Premier’s Service Excellence Awards recognized when it scooped two awards: One for being the Best Service Delivery Team or Institution of the Year and also came in second in the category of Best Department of the Year. We are humbled by these achievements as they do not come effortlessly they require strong, persistent and determined leadership. We dare not fail in our march to improving the lives of the people as mandated by mokgatlo wa badimo le Modimo, the African National Congress.
Honourable Speaker,
We have taken a giraffic view of the totality of our challenges and crafted a proper response plan. We say so because we understand the issues and have designed the necessary package of measures to overcome the obstacles on our way.
As the ANC we are very clear about our politics and transport. For us there cannot be a world without the very real daily benefits of mobility, which in our view is unimaginable. We must not for a moment, as some too often do take for granted achievements registered, more so as societal demands on transport are increasing. It is our full contention that transport systems must be adapted to better serve us all, as transport matters are complex, and not easy to change. As more opportunities become open, effective dialogue on the development of transport systems should be pursued in order to facilitate a better understanding throughout society on transport issues.
The demands that transport is putting on provincial resources, including energy and environment, is so large that it is imperative for transport to function as efficiently as possible. At the same time, investment in transport systems need to be maintained, as they underpin the creation of wealth and growth of incomes of which people aspire.
One of the key features for transport in the province, and one that is often a problem, is that transport does not exist for itself. It serves the economy and society, and is therefore required to respond, often instantly, to changing economic or societal priorities. Transport for the ANC is central to responding to the need for more jobs, more security, improved safety, accessibility for the disadvantaged and less environmental harm. As government we have to balance the trade-offs in the priorities we put.
Creating jobs through road infrastructure
Honourable Speaker,
Let me acknowledge that as a result of the increasing vehicle population especially road freight vehicles our road network has come under heavy stress and is not coping with the heavy demands which are not matched by budgetary allocations. Due to under-funding and ageing infrastructure many of our roads are in urgent need of repairs. The problems are greatly exacerbated heavily if a road is subjected to overloading by heavy trucks. We cannot talk of roads and not delve into the hot topic of potholes – our nemesis, a problem not isolated to us only.
Potholes are estimated, in a study by the South African Roads Federation, to cost the economy R50 billion annually in vehicle repairs and injuries. As the responsible authority on secondary and gravel roads our role will steadily move away from the current practice of reactionary maintenance on repairing potholes to preventative maintenance so as to keep the roads in good condition so that potholes do not develop. To this end, we will be spending approximately R452 million, on preventative maintenance on already identified 32 projects which are spread throughout the province.
It is generally known and accepted that preventative maintenance is much cheaper than reactive maintenance. It is our collective view that when potholes do occur, they must be properly repaired. In this regard, we are spending R60 million on over 60 pothole patching projects in all districts. These projects will be completed at the end of this week. We will be spending an additional R200 million on pothole patching and routine maintenance on 11 projects in the 2011/12 financial year.
I am pleased to announce that following discussions with the South African National Roads Agency Limited the long-awaited improvements on the N1 in Matoks will come to fruition. The people of Botlokwa and others will finally say government has listened to us. We cannot shy away from acknowledging that on a daily basis pedestrians in particular were dicing and risking with their own lives having to cross a busy freeway.
An amount of R250 million has been set aside for infrastructure improvements including the construction of an interchange, pedestrian bridges and walkways. The contract is planned to be awarded in June 2011. We can safely say that when the yellow machines start arriving, that will be the beginning of improved safety for the people of Botlokwa and those traversing through.
We welcome as the Department the focus by national on maintenance of our road network. The recent heavy rainfall and delayed maintenance has compounded the situation. We must all agree that ours is a delicate balancing act of strategic choices between building new roads and maintaining that which we have constructed.
As the MEC responsible for Roads and Transport I am happy to announce the completion of the Lutanandwa Bridge in Vhembe, at a cost of 28 million Rand, and the Seloane Bridge in Mopani at a cost of 11.5 million Rand. Bridges connect communities and provide access to social amenities and markets. That is not debatable if we are to take our people out of abject poverty.
It is with great joy that the pain endured by the people of Mankele and others, of having to cross the Olifants River under very horrendous and risky conditions, is finally coming to an end. Many lives have been lost and unnecessarily so. Premier Cassel Mathale has during his State of the Province Address made an unequivocal commitment that this administration will be true to its word and make the impossible a definite reality. We are clear in our mind that we will live up to the commitment to complete the bridges later in May 2011 that is both the Mankele and Maredi to Senyatho bridges at a cost of 46 and 47 million Rands respectively. We are not doubtful when we confirm that we are on course and on schedule. The Sibasa to Khalavha to Fondwe to Nzhelele to Musekwaspoort bridge is also on course to be completed at a cost of R24 million.
We will shy away from blowing our own trumpet, as they say actions speak louder than words. True to our word, guided by our humbleness we extend in advance an invitation to this august House to come and witness the historic occasions of when the impossible become reality in Sekhukhune.
Honourable Speaker,
We have completed two of our multi-year upgrading projects which started in 2008/09 financial year resulting in the tarring of roads in Makonde to Masisi and Bochum to Endermak with total distance of about 20 kilometres at a total cost of R84 Million.
Our backlog in tarring roads stands at well over 15 000 KMs. In this regard, we are making huge strides. As the ANC government, a government which delivers, we can with certainty say nine road upgrading (gravel to tar) contracts were awarded during the period September 2010 and February 2011. These are multi-year projects that will be carried over to 2011/12 financial year, with some being completed in 2012/13. I am sure those who come from the various parts of the province will be keen to know that real delivery of tarring roads is already taking place at:
- Ga-Masha to Mampuru to Tukakgomo to Mokgabane in Sekhukhune at a cost of R33. 4 million;
- Tompi-Seleka to Mogaladi in Sekhukhune at a cost of R39.8 million;
- Marken to Rapadi to Masebe Game Lodge to Magagamatala to Kgopung to Kabeana to Makekeng to road P19/1 in Waterberg at a cost of R42.7 million;
- N11 north of Marble Hall and R33 to Modimolle connecting to Lephalale in Waterberg at a cost of R244.2 M;
- Pienaars rivier / Zwartkop (D1944) to Rapotokwane to Witlaagte in Waterberg at a cost of R86.9 million;
- Mogoto to Rakgwata to Madika to Hwelereng in Capricorn at a cost of R79.7 million;
- Lenyenye to Thabina to Mogoboya to Khujwana in Mopani at a cost of R97.8 M;
- Alverton to Rietfontein to Kgautswane (P116/1) in Sekhukhune at a cost of R94.9 million and
- Magongwa to Mosesetjane in Waterberg at a cost of R37.6 million.
In total, these projects will cost 1 billion Rand of which 682. 5 million Rand will be spent in 2011/12 financial year for total distance of 260 kilometres of tarred roads at the end of the 2011/12 financial year. As the ANC we listen and deliver as we are fully mindful of the hardships our people endure. We are mandated and therefore ours is to fulfil the mandate. A kere re a tseba ebile ga a nyake ruler gore badudi baLimpopo ba boletṡe ba re ANC e tla re fihliṡa Kanana. Bjalo ka mokgatlo wo o buṡago re phethagatṡa seo ka go a ba ditirelo tsa maleba go batho bohle.
Honourable Speaker,
In keeping with forward planning, Roads Agency Limpopo has commenced with planning on the following projects:
- Koedoeskop to Northam to Dwaalboom (joint venture with PPC)
- Keerom to Doornlaagte to Tshikanoshi (Leeuwkuil)
- Morebeng (Soekmekaar, D1308) to Senwamokgope (Sekgosese)
- Tzaneen to The Oaks (rehabilitation project)
- Legolaneng to Monsterlus
- Bokisi (P99/1) to Mashamba to Tshitale to Morebeng Soekmekaar, P54/1)
- Mutele to Sagole to Muswodi to Folovhodwe to N'wanedi Nature Reserve to Road P135/1 (Tshipise)
- Derdepoort to NW (Zeerust/Rustenburg)
- Marken to Segole to Watervaal (N11, Gilead)
- Settlers to Witlaagte (Mpumalanga)
We can confirm in this august House that we are at an advanced stage of accelerating infrastructure development. We have already finalised a business case and feasibility study to go out into the market to raise additional funding either through a PPP or annuity concession to fund road construction in the province. Details on this important work will be finalised during June of this year.
Community-based programmes
Honourable Speaker,
We had our teething problems with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the past. With new life injected in the programme we have basically transformed this moribund programme in the province to exceed the target set of 7558 jobs and now we can claim an achievement of an additional 7442 jobs, bringing the total number of jobs to 15 000. This was made possible by the implementation of the house-holds projects relating to grass cutting, cleaning of drainage structures, fixing of fences, etc.
I am sure you bear testimony to the hundreds of men and women in yellow overalls in 25 of our municipalities. We have allocated 249 million Rand to sustain the programme and will introduce further innovative ways of ensuring that we bring more labour absorbing techniques into this programme and leverage incentive grants available to performing provinces and projects.
Improvement for airports
Honourable Speaker,
We have stabilized management of Polokwane International Airport, and appointed a capable and experienced Board of Directors comprising not only of business people but also aviation experts including one of the very few black pilots on SAA, Captain Mpho Mmamashela. Through their guidance we safely processed thousands of visitors through the Airport. Amongst others world football stars such as Lionel Messi of Argentina, former French international Zinedine Zidane and former Portugal international star Luiz Figo amongst others during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
A number of important infrastructural improvement projects were undertaken and completed on schedule. The airport has undergone a major facelift with the completion of a covered and car rentals parking, resealing of the apron, upgrading of T49 hanger and renovating the conference centre. We have also catapulted the fire fighting capability to greater heights with the acquisition of state of the art machinery. We will in the next coming months commence with steps to upgrade the air traffic control of the airport in compliance to Civil Aviation Authority requirements and safety of all.
Integrated, accessible and affordable public transport services
Honourable Speaker,
Despite the rapid growth in car use, public transport and walking are still the predominant lifeline forms of mobility for the majority in Limpopo to access work, school and services. The National Household Travel Survey says current users are very unhappy with public transport service quality. The study shows: 55% of taxi users and 54% of bus users are dissatisfied with the level of crowding on vehicles. Additionally, 64% of taxi users are unhappy with facilities at stops and ranks.
The service offering for land-based long distance public transport is typically of poor quality, is informal and expensive. There is a large existing market of migrant workers, students, tourists and occasional travellers that warrants a far more formalized and improved quality of service.
It is government’s view that Integrated Public Transport Service Networks are the mobility wave of the future and the only viable option that can ensure sustainable, equitable and uncongested mobility in liveable city or district. With rising tensions in the Arab world, the era of cheap fossil fuel is nearing an end. As the ANC government we cannot and we will not subject the 70% of households with no access to cars to third class travel options. The future is for cities such as Polokwane and rural Districts to provide adapted versions of mobility solutions that are attractive to all including current public transport users as well as current car users.
Designs for the strategic Integrated Public Transport Networks in the Sekhukhune District are complete. Networks focus around nine major service centres, namely. Dennilton, Elandsdoorn, Marble Hall, Groblersdal, Mogobo MS Malaka, Jane Furse, Steelpoort, Burgersfort (which is the first phase of the project roll-out) and Ohrigstad.
Honourable Speaker,
The Department has embarked on a process to decentralise operating licensing services to traffic stations and where possible to Thusong centres and municipal offices to make our services more accessible to public transport operators. Service points have been introduced in the following areas: Dilokong, Jane Furse, Elias Motsoaledi (Groblersdal), Lephalale, Dendron, Polokwane, Namakgale, and Tzaneen Traffic Stations and Thabazimbi Cost Centre. Plans are afoot to extend them to other service centres in the province.
- The Department has also implemented processes to reduce the current backlog on the processing of public transport operating licences. We are also investigating systems to improve on the turn-around time for the issuance of operating licences. The Operating Licensing Board will work tirelessly to clear the backlog and we also to those with ‘suitcase permit’ to either transfer them to other operators or they should take up the opportunity themselves. The Department will monitor the licensing process to reduce near monopolistic tendencies by certain operators in some parts of the province, and further open the space for new entrants into the system so that they too can become beneficiaries of the massive half a Billion Rand grant available in subsidies.
- Passengers transported by 19 bus operators in the province benefitted through the bus subsidy system this year. 1314 buses render subsidized service with 1446 drivers permanently employed in undertaking 44 605 216 kilometres at a cost of 480 million Rand in the last financial year. In pursuance of our goal of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment we are going to review both the Interim and Negotiated Contracts so that new players can make an entry into the space. Though negotiable these contracts, we remain resolute and determined that in our engagements the goal must be a reality.
We want to applaud those bus operators who abide by the contractual conditions and obligations. We must warn and wave a finger at those who fail and fare paying passengers that the net is closing on them. We will with no fear or favour scrutinize operations of those who have an obligation to render services on our behalf. Impromptu and unannounced visit will occur at various depots and roadblocks mounted during peak and off-peak periods. It is our view that where our people especially the poor are failed, as government we will not sit idle and watch.
We have a huge responsibility. We will not hesitate to act against un-roadworthy buses and poor quality services, even it if means impoundment of buses or discontinuation services. A major offensive has already been launched against all bus operators to either comply or ship out. The situation in the Khutama-Sinthumule area of Vhembe, remain a concern and we work tirelessly with the municipality, the affected bus companies and the local community structures to deal with the outstanding issues.
- We are also working closely with the Department of Education and in this regard we have the safety of learner’s top priority. The practise of transport learners in bakkies remain a huge concern. We will be strengthening our surveillance capacity so that we can root all forms of non-compliance in this area.
- The passenger rail feasibility studies by Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) on the 4 identified routes (Seshego-Polokwane, Polokwane-Moria, Polokwane-Lebowakgomo and Polokwane-Mokopane) will be completed in 2011/12 financial year.
- The Department and Transnet Freight Rail are on the verge of entering into a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Limpopo Freight Rail initiative. Feasibility studies will be conducted for the establishment of logistic hubs in Polokwane, Lephalale, Tubatse and Musina in the coming financial year. We are very excited about development in this area as national is saying the focus must be on the north and with Musina receiving priority attention.
Better facilities for commuters: Intermodal facility
Honourable Speaker,
The department will commence with the construction of the Thohoyandou, Tubatse and Giyani Intermodal Facilities in the 2011/12 financial year.
The Department has identified a need for the provision of a first world Mixed Use Bus and Taxi Intermodal Facilities in the Thohoyandou Central Business District (CBD) to upgrade and enhance current infrastructure and operations. The facilities include a new Bus and Taxi Rank, Operational Offices, Driver facilities, Commuter Waiting Areas, Retail shops and Food outlets, ATM’s, Offices and Medical Services. There will also be an upgrade to urban spaces that includes the construction of a new Civic Square, and upgraded pedestrian routes that link the Bus and Taxi Facilities.
We have prescribed a strict minimum of 30% local participation goal in the construction of these facilities and any contractor will have to meet that to qualify for consideration. This will mean that local contractors and labour will play a meaningful role in the construction phase. As part of the design, 333 trading areas for hawkers have been provided in and around the facility. Post construction will create 292 new jobs at the retail component of the facilities alone, with additional jobs to be created in the operations and maintenance of the taxi and bus ranks, with job creation opportunities in total being in the order of 350 to 400 jobs.
The budget for Thohoyandou excluding VAT and Professional Fees will be utilized as follows: 2011/12 - R96M, 2012/13 - R190M, 2013/14 -R54M and thus bringing total project costs to over R340M.
Extended road traffic services
Honourable Speaker,
In contributing towards rural development which is one of the priorities of government, and responding to the call to take service delivery closer to the people, the department has started with the construction of the Aganang and Fetakgomo Driving License Testing Centres which will be completed in December 2011. For we know that fewer service in reality it means for those who cannot access service bribery and corruption because the space is limited. We will make our service widely available so that we can reduce corrupt practices.
We have also introduced the Computerised Learner’s Licence Test (CLLT’s) in 15 Driving Licence Testing Centres in order to fight corruption in the driving licence environment. This system replaces the old manual system which was prone to manipulation and corruption, and ended up putting unqualified drivers on our roads. Poorly trained drivers are danger not only to themselves but also to innocent road users. We need on our roads safer drivers and that is the bottom line. Something had to give in as the situation was indeed becoming intolerable. We intend rolling out the system in the remaining 18 Driving License Testing Centres in the next three financial years at a total cost of approximately 87 million Rand.
Strengthening the fight against drunk driving
Honourable Speaker
The Department has partnered with the South African Breweries in the establishment of Alcohol Evidence Centres. These centres will be used to test suspected drunk drivers. The centres are fully resourced with alcohol testers such as Dragger machines and holding cells to detain drunk drivers. One such centre has already been established at Polokwane. Four additional centres will be established this financial year at the four remaining districts:
- Mokopane in Waterberg;
- Thohoyandou Traffic Station in Vhembe;
- Tzaneen Traffic Station in Mopani; and
- Dilokong Traffic Station in Sekhukhune.
The South African Breweries is investing an amount of 1 million Rand per centre. This donation is a welcome move as it strengthens our resolve and capability to fight road crime. We hope this will go a long way in the control and reduction of road accidents that claim many innocent lives.
The Department will be contracting Medical Practitioners throughout the province to assist in taking blood samples of suspected drunken drivers and also make the process foolproof when suspects are taken to court. We don’t want those with money to think for a moment they can take us on review and win on technicalities. We are sending a stern message to them.
Learner’s drivers licence testing simulators
Honourable Speaker,
We will, in collaboration with the Department of Education, procure and supply 24 schools with learner’s and drivers licence testing simulators at the cost of 1.2 million Rand. These simulators will prepare learners to obtain their learner’s and driver’s licences whilst they are still at schools. As Roads and Transport we have found innovative ways to bring modern technological solutions to our people and young people are very receptive to that. The future is modernity and technology.
Honourable Speaker,
In his State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma declared 2011 as the Year of job creation, and as the Department of Roads and Transport we have answered the call.
In public transport, through the development of the Intermodal Public Transport Facilities, we will create 854 jobs during construction and 400 jobs through the commercialization of the retail facilities.
There is potential to create 8 000 temporary jobs over four years during the development of the Polokwane, Musina, Lephalale logistic hubs and a one stop border post at Beitbridge. We foresee a further 4 000 high level jobs being created during operations.
During the implementation of integrated public transport networks in the Sekhukhune District, there is potential for the creation of an estimated 500 jobs per phase with 50 jobs being created during the operational phase.
The construction of traffic institutions will see 491 people being employed in Giyani, Ba-Phalaborwa, Muswodi, Dilokong, Northam, Fetakgomo, Aganang traffic institution and Manenu traffic college.
A further 15 500 jobs will be created through the Expanded Public Works Programme in all local municipalities.
As part of the youth development programme, we will implement three learnership programmes, including 1 for the unemployed youth and this will absorb 45 young people. 200 bursaries have been to both external and internal students focusing mainly on transport economics, transport planning, civil engineering and finance.
We will meet the call made by the Premier to have 40% of young people employed on our projects and set aside or unbundle 30% project value for SMMEs.
Doing things differently
Honourable Speaker,
As the 2010/11 financial year draws to a close, we have finalized plans for the following financial year. This is in keeping with the strategy of doing things differently which means planning and commencement of certain of projects must be finalised in the month before commencement of the new financial year. The Department will invest in modern technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Transport Operations. These innovations will include amongst others:
- Fixed and mobile speed camera solutions to increase compliance;
- Roadside verification of operating licences to detect fraudulent permits. Here Honourable Speaker I want to quote Mr Mochabeng Marape an operator of The Oaks Taxi Association who says “the introduction of roadside verification of operating licenses has caught many in the taxi industry by surprise as fraudulent operating licenses are prevalent, due to duplication of face value documents”.
- The introduction of a fleet management system to improve vehicle monitoring utilization and to reduce abuse of government vehicles;
- Increased payment channels at retails outlets, speed points and ATMs;
- The enhancement of service delivery through the construction of transport multi-purpose centres, to cater in the main for all transport services (public transport and traffic in particular);
- Information Technology solution to process operating licence applications so that we can ensure certainty on the services;
- We will in the fight against corruption investigate the possibility of introducing technology to monitor deployed officers through what is called “eyewitnesses system”. Our officers must know we are serious and that we will no longer rely on their assurances that they are incorruptible, but rather monitor their activities on the road and also manage the issue of performance including productivity of our teams.
Honourable Speaker,
It is against this backdrop that I hereby present the Department of Roads and Transport Budget of 3,809,278 Rand for the 2011/12 financial year allocated as follows:
- Programme 1: Administration: 490,527 million Rand
- Programme 2: Transport Infrastructure: 2,014,251 billion Rand
- Programme 3: Transport Operations: 650,153 million Rand
- Programme 4: Transport Regulation: 405,304 million Rand
- Programme 5: Community Based Programmes: 249,043 million Rand
I thank you!
