Following a two-day visit to areas in Limpopo ravaged by the recent floods, the minister of transport, Ben Martins, says the destruction of roads and bridges has exacerbated the infrastructure backlog in the region.

“The affected communities are looking to government to address their plight and we can only attend to these needs if there are public servants who have their hearts and minds at the right place,” says Martins.

At the end of 2011, government took a decision to place five provincial government departments in Limpopo under administration, including the Road Agency Limpopo (RAL).

“It is within this context that I take comfort to see that the intervention team of the Department of Transport (DOT), working with other stakeholders in the province, has made significant progress to stabilise the provincial department and its agencies.

“Since the start of the intervention, the intervention team has introduced various measures to improve governance, financial accountability and service delivery. Where there was prima facie evidence of transgressing the law, the intervention team has referred cases to law enforcement agencies.”

Disciplinary actions are also being taken against those who undermined the policies and procedures of government, especially the Public Finance Management Act.According to Martins, the DOTwill also follow up on the implementation of the recommendations of the Public Protector, without further delay.

The DOT will also attend to the immediate corporate governance challenges at RAL and the PolokwaneInternational Airport, operated by the Gateway Airports Authority (GAAL).

Martins says: “With regard to RAL, we will second two officials of the DOT to fill the vacancies of CEO and CFO in an acting capacity until we appoint their permanent replacements. We will also fill the vacancies on the board of directors, ensuring that the board has a full complement.

“The department will also undertake measures to resolve the outstanding matter regarding the board of GAAL, as soon as we have clarified the status of the board that was dissolved by the previous MEC. Whatever we do should be informed by due processes.”

As part of the effort to promote corporate governance, the DOT will consult with the necessary role players, within the national and provincial governments, to fill the position of the head of the Department of Roads and Transport. This will enable the provincial department to fill other vacancies.

Martins concludes: “It is important that the effort to stabilise the province is sustained even after the departure of the intervention team.”