Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi
Under the theme ‘Together we move South Africa Forward’, the government is calling on citizens to work together to ensure the country’s transport infrastructure benefits all, and encouraging road users to take responsibility and apply road safety as part of their daily lives. During Transport Month, government, led by the Transport Department and its entities, highlights the economic benefits of the sector by showcasing transport infrastructure services in aviation, maritime, public transport, roads and rail.
Big projects in the pipeline
During the launch the minister highlighted a few big projects in the pipeline including a R4 billion Cargo Hub Project at OR Tambo International Airport and the Moloto Rail Project, which will start from Marble Hall to Tshwane. Minister Maswanganyi said the department is currently sorting out the paperwork for the Moloto Rail Project, and as soon as this process is done, the project will be implemented. However, a R3.7 billion road project has started from Marble Hall, the Minister added. In KwaZulu-Natal, the department is investing massively in Durban Port under Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy.
“We are investing massively in infrastructure because transport is the heartbeat of the economy,” the Minister said.
24/7 traffic monitoring
Minister Maswanganyi said traffic officers will now work 24 hours, seven days a week on the roads. “I have signed a memorandum for all provincial MECs for Transport, including Premiers and Mayors, that we must introduce 24-hour traffic officers on the roads,” he said. Ekurhuleni Municipality Mayor Mzwandile Masina used the occasion to encourage people to obey the rules of the road. He urged people taking trips to make sure that the driver rests and the car is in proper working condition. “Enough is enough. We can’t continue to allow so many deaths on our roads… We value the lives of our people,” Mayor Masina said.
