Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi says the Gautrain expansion project is expected to create more than 211 000 direct jobs.
According to Vadi his department is looking to set aside approximately R1.6 billion for skills development, enterprise development and supplier development. Passenger demand for the Gautrain is growing rapidly and has exceeded projections. In order to tackle overcrowding and stifled demand the department has taken the decision to procure more trains and invest in the system so that it has longevity and runs efficiently for the next 10 years. “The capital expenditure for additional rolling stock and supporting infrastructure is expected to sustain about 10 000 jobs in Gauteng. The total government revenue is expected to increase by an estimated R542 million in nominal terms between 2019 and 2023,” Vadi notes.Feasibility study complete
The feasibility study for the project has been completed and was submitted to National Treasury for approval in April 2017. Since then the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has been engaging with Provincial and National Treasury to discuss the project in detail.A decision on the awarding of Treasury Authorisation (TA 1) for the project is expected in the latter half of 2018. Once approval has been granted the planning and Environmental Impact Assessment of Phase 1 will begin.
