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2 December 2008

One of the milestones was the successful October Transport Month Programme, which included:
* launch of the R72 Rehabilitation Project
* opening of Middledrift to Alice Road, Maclear to Mount Fletcher Road, Sulenkama Hospital Road
* launch of the Nkonkobe Maths and Science Project in partnership with the University of Fort Hare
* hosting the National Driver of the Year Competition
* hosting a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup State of Readiness Workshop in Port Elizabeth
* handing over of Mthatha Airport to contractors to mark the start of the R60 million refurbishment
* opening of the Xuka Bridge.

Administration

Expanded the Maths, Science and English Project to the Ikwezi Municipality, where three schools are benefiting such as Gcinubuzwe, Jansenville and Klipplaat high schools in line with the Department’s Skills Development Plan.

Introduced the vehicle license renewal project to 40 new outlets in the Chris Hani, Ukhahlamba, OR Tambo, Cacadu and Amathole Districts in partnership with the South African Post Office.

Roads Infrastructure

Met with district municipalities to discuss the department's priorities, especially on roads infrastructure rehabilitation. Engagement continues through TransMEC, which is a structure where the department meets with various district municipalities and transport authorities.

Hosted a successful Rural Roads Summit at the Qunu Youth and Heritage Centre, where an 80:20 Plan was adopted. The plan seeks to change the ratio of gravel to surfaced roads with 80% to become surfaced in the next 10 years. The roll out plan will be officially launched in Port St Johns in February 2009.

Developed a coasted 5 year plan worth R7,2 billion, which has been presented to the Minister of Transport for consideration. Lobbying continues in order to get Cabinet support so that the Department of Roads and Transport can improve the roads infrastructure of the rural areas of the Eastern Cape.

Public Transport

Finalised the Eastern Cape 10 Year Rail Plan, which will be launched on Friday 5 December 2008 at Loerie Station and mark the launch of the Weekend Tourism Train Service between Port Elizabeth and Langkloof. Introduced Maritime Awareness Programme.

Handed over 2050 bicycles to learners in the Amathole, OR Tambo, Ukhahlamba, Alfred Nzo and Koukamma as part of the Department of Roads and Transport's Shova Kalula Bicycle Project, which assists learners who travel long distances to reach schools. Handed over 16 new Africa's Best 350 Ltd buses to operate in the King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mhlontlo and Nyandeni Municipalities.

Traffic Management

Accelerated the recruitment of traffic officers in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A total of 160 young traffic officers are currently being selected and will be trained in phases as from January 2009.

Piloted the eNatis drivers and learner's license booking project in the Lukhanji Municipality. Established regional Help Desk in the Cacadu District and will soon be followed by other districts.

Sakha Isizwe Community Based Transportation Programme

Launched the Road Rangers Programme, which is currently benefiting 95 people throughout the province and they are working in five districts such as Alfred Nzo (11), Amathole (14), Chris Hani (43), Ukhahlamba (8), OR Tambo (19), at a cost of R978 000. The programme seeks to reduce the high rate of road accidents caused by stray animals through involving the communities at grass roots level who are the primary victims of such accidents.

Increased the number of Sakha Isizwe Household Contractors from 5001 to 8 947. The beneficiaries are recruited from the poorest of the poor; especially women headed household representatives throughout the province. Their work includes weekly roadside maintenance work such as bush clearing, roadside cleaning and grass cutting. Introduced the payment of Household Contractors by the South African Post Office.

Enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388

Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
2 December 2008