25 May 2007
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe met this morning with the Gauteng Provincial
MECs of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr Paul Mashatile and Public Transport,
Roads and Works, Mr Ignatius Jacobs, the Mayor of Johannesburg, Mr Amos Masondo
and the Member of Mayoral Committee responsible for transport in Johannesburg,
Ms Rehana Moosajee. Also present were the Director-General of Transport and the
CEO of South African Rail Commuter Corporation/Metrorail.
This follows the public announcement of the monorail by the provincial
government of Gauteng and subsequent statement by the Minister. The discussions
were both constructive and cordial. The meeting noted the public debate on the
monorail and acknowledged that the process dealing with the monorail proposal
should be open, transparent and in the interest of all. The proposal would be
put on hold until such time that the necessary process including consultation
has been undertaken.
The meeting highlighted the need for government to evaluate proposals from
the private sector, particularly unsolicited bids and subject these to a proper
government process. The Minister stated his position that the monorail proposal
in its current form cannot be supported but in principle government is not
opposed to the concept of monorail. Government will continue to encourage
foreign direct investment particularly in infrastructure development. Proposals
for monorail or any other public transport solution must take into account
approved transport plans aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the current rail,
bus and taxi operations within the public transport system.
To this end, the province will review the proposal and develop a sound
business case for any monorail proposal within the province. There will be
broader consultation with national, provincial and local government. The
proposal will be subjected to the normal processes of government and then
submitted to the national Minister of Transport for his consideration, in due
course.
The meeting expressed appreciation for the debate and public consciousness
of public transport issues. The meeting agreed that all enquiries should be
directed to the Minister of Transport.
Enquiries:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Issued by: Department of Transport
25 May 2007
Source: SAPA
