3 October 2007
The transport sector is increasingly becoming one of the best drivers for
economic growth and social development, which necessitates that government,
puts in place necessary infrastructure to keep up with the current trends,
North West Premier Edna Molewa said today. Speaking at the launch of Transport
Month in Mafikeng, Molewa highlighted that the increased investment in the
economy and influx of tourists into the country and province was a reason
enough for government to introduce hi-tech transport services and
infrastructure.
In this regard, she said the North West provincial government will put in
place necessary infrastructure to keep up with the high growth rates ahead of
the 2010 Federation International Football Association (Fifa) World Cup. "We
are glad to have been selected to host the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup. We are
working hard as the provincial government to ensure that our transport services
will be in order come 2010. But we are working on a permanent solution to our
transport challenges which will last beyond 2010.
This year's Transport Month, October, is celebrated under the theme:
"Transport the heartbeat of South Africa's Economic Growth and Social
Development." The key objective of this campaign is to champion the need for
speedy transformation of public transport and non-motorised transport service.
The Premier noted that public transport and walking are currently used by a
substantial majority of our people in the province and throughout the
country.
According to the results of the National Household Travel Survey, about 4,5
million workers and learners use a car to work or school while 21 million
workers and learners use public transport or walk. "Therefore, the aim of
Transport Month must be to shift the focus of the passenger transport sector
away from middle class suburban car users and towards ensuring affordable and
sustainable mobility for all, in both rural and urban areas," said Ms
Molewa.
The key objectives of the campaign are to:
* raise awareness of the important role and benefits of public and
non-motorised transport in the economy and society
* ensure popular participation in and partnerships for public transport
transformation
* showcase government's initiatives for immediate improvements in the transport
service in general
* prepare the mindset of our people to use all other available modes of
transport in all areas
* highlight the shortcomings in public transport, in particular, and the lack
of frequent public transport services in the most rural areas of the
province.
Action packed Transport Month in the North West
The following are activities that will take place in the province during
this month as announced by the MEC for Transport, Roads and Community Safety,
Phenye Vilakazi today:
* the Mafikeng International Airshow will be held this Saturday at the
Mafikeng Airport. This a project through which we want to bring aviation to the
people and expose them to the many opportunities in the aviation industry
* on 9 October, we will board a train from Mafikeng to Vryburg as part of
promoting rail as an alternative mode of transport
* on 11 October, we will be having a summit with the taxi industry in
Potchefstroom, which will be followed by a sod turning ceremony for a taxi
retail outlet in Mafikeng the following day and a certificate awarding ceremony
for members of the taxi industry whom we have trained in various skills
including first aid and customer care
* on 18 October, we will open a road at Mabalstad
* we will then conclude our activities with a cycling session from Mafikeng to
Ga-Rona building on 24 October.
Contact Person:
Mandla Mathebula
Tel: 018 387 4810
Cell: 083 282 6133
E-mail: mmathebula@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety, North West
Provincial Government
3 October 2007
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za)
