Date: 16/04/2010
Source: African Christian Democratic Party
Title: ACDP: Swart: Speech by ACDP Member of Parliament on the Transport budget vote, National Assembly

"We are on the verge of hosting what we in the ACDP believe will be a very successful Fifa Soccer World Cup. Whilst we had a dry-run with the relatively successful Confederations Cup, it was highlighted however that public transport still required attention.

The ACDP trusts that the single command and control centre will enhance integration between various departments to ensure an efficient and reliable transport system for the World Cup and beyond.

The ACDP notes however that there are concerns about the Regulations for Public Transport for the World Cup - particularly relating to delays in issuing licenses and possible tensions with existing operators. Whilst the decision to licence courtesy services seems commendable, it may create further tensions with the taxi industry. To what degree, Hon Minister, has the taxi industry been consulted on these new regulations?

The promotion of infrastructure investment remains an important driver as an instrument of growth and employment. The Gautrain and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system are key components of the department's integrated infrastructure network plan. They will also be real show-pieces when the world focuses on South Africa in two months time. This, of course depends on the co-operation of taxi operators, certain of who have threatened to disrupt the World Cup. This cannot be tolerated.

When I was in Australia last year, I encouraged Australians to come to South Africa to support the Socceroos. I was also very proud to explain that we will have a brand new underground Gautrain system and that we were spending billions of rand on improving our road networks.

Chairperson, the ACDP shares concerns at the unacceptable high level of fatalities on our roads. The leading causes of road crashes are human factors and poor road conditions. It is however heartening to see that the number of fatalities on our roads this past Easter holiday has been reduced and we commend the department and law enforcement officers in this regard.

Wherever one travels, one sees major construction on the roads. Whilst this may irritate a number of motorists, we in the ACDP are greatly encouraged to see our highway network being improved. Even the notorious road between Kimberley and Johannesburg is being improved. The ACDP's concern lies with secondary roads - as we have learnt, if we do not maintain our roads properly obviously the costs increase dramatically.

The ACDP notes that a discussion document has been released containing proposals for the Road Accident Benefit Scheme to be based on a no - fault policy. Whilst we will continue to engage on this issue, the immediate concern is that the number of claims will increase significantly as those drivers that cause the accidents will also be entitled to claim. This will no doubt result in further capping and reducing of compensation payable as there are presently insufficient funds to cover all the claims on a fault basis. Why should a person who is drunk or drives recklessly be entitled to claim?

Clearly much careful thought and consideration should go into this radical policy change. To suggest that such a policy would only result in a nominal increase of 4 cents per litre in the fuel levy is, in our view, naive in the extreme.

The ACDP trusts that all role-players in the transport sector will work together to ensure a safe and reliable public transport system, not only for the showpiece of the Soccer World Cup, but way beyond. A reliable transport sector is a sine qua non for a healthy and growing economy.

To conclude, the ACDP will support the budget vote."