Thank you for gracing our event. We are here to set in motion the Limpopo leg of the October Transport Month campaign. Four years ago, government decided that October would be observed as Transport Month. Since then, the Department of Roads and Transport has embraced this initiative and this year is no different.
During this October, the department will outline public transport programmes and initiatives that have a positive impact on the lives of our people. We move from the premise that transport is the lifeblood of our province’s economy and that of the country as a whole.
The theme of this campaign is “Safety in all modes of Transport: Systems readiness for 2010, Sisonke siyaphambili akujiki”. During this month, our people will also have an opportunity to contribute towards the transformation of the public transport industry and the ideal of a safe, reliable and efficient public transport system. Our campaign also seeks to encourage and mobilise the public and stakeholders to work in partnership towards sustainable mobility.
We value the contribution of our partners especially now with plans at an advanced stage to roll-out the integrated rapid public transport networks, which will ensure that we extend the subsidy system to the taxi but also drive down the costs of access to both economic activities and social services.
Here are some of the highlights of our successes in 2009.
Infrastructure development and law enforcement
As part of the infrastructure development, we have spent a total an amount of over R40 million in the construction of Moutse, Mokopane and Thohoyandou traffic stations. These stations are now able to render increased capacity on 37 provincial roads.
Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP)
The department has invested R219 Million to enable 20 emerging contractors and 40 supervisors into fully fledged contractors through accredited learnerships. The learnership programme will run for two and half years will also involve practical training.
Introduction of the electronic booking system
The department has rolled out the electronic driver license booking system to 23 stations of the 30 drivers’ licence testing stations (DLTCs) throughout the province. This means an improved provision of services with a direct as well as a measure that seeks to combat malpractices such as the manipulation of bookings corruption.
Establishment of e-NATIS help desk
The department has launched a new state of the art e-NATIS help desk, which complies with international best practice. It has enough resources to cater for the needs of all registering authorities, drivers’ licence testing centres, and private and public vehicle testing stations. The new help desk will improve service delivery for vehicle owners and enhance revenue collection.
Provision of vehicle licensing services at post offices
The department has entered into a partnership with the South African Post Office (SAPO) to make it possible for the public to renew their vehicle licenses at various post offices. This will alleviate long queues at testing stations. The service is currently available at ten post offices and will be extended to others in this financial year.
Maintaining stability in the public transport industry
The department has managed to make critical interventions that have prevented conflicts and instability in public transport.
South African Network for Women in Transport (SANWIT)
The department is spearheading the provincial chapter of SANWIT, which is aimed at helping women access opportunities in the transport sector. This structure will help increase women participation in areas such as aviation, engineering and a variety of transport businesses.
We shall not rest until we have met all of the commitments we made to our people. Our vision is clear: an integrated safe, reliable, efficient, affordable and sustainable multi-modal transport system and adequate infrastructure.
The programme of activities I am informed has been circulated.
Note: Throughout the October Transport Month the MEC will be embarking on a series of law enforcement operations all across the province. The MEC will also be making unannounced visits to service delivery points especially the vehicles testing centres and licensing stations, driver testing centres and licensing
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Limpopo Provincial Government
5 October 2009
Source: Department of Roads and Transport, Limpopo Provincial Government
(http://www.ldrt.gov.za/)
