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Fast, safe, cost-effective transport in key development nodes can support economic growth, create jobs and bring communities together.

I will be calling for a meeting with the Minister of Transport, Ben Martins, to discuss the implementation of transport infrastructure projects which we believe hold social and economic benefits for South Africa.

This potential of transport infrastructure development is not currently being harnessed by the ANC government, which has a propensity to use infrastructure programmes as an instrument for cronyism and corruption.

The DA’s Plan for Growth and Jobs proposes a target of annual spending of 10% of the Gross Domestic Product (around R330 billion) on infrastructure projects. A portion of this would go to infrastructure projects that can bring people closer to economic opportunities, enhance ease of movement for goods and create employment.

The spending does not have to be funded from the national budget alone, but can benefit from alternative financial arrangements such as (i) re-investing the proceeds of the sale of certain assets of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), (ii) listing large infrastructure project to raise equity capital from financial markets, (iii) listing SOEs, with the state retaining minority shares, but allowing for private capital to be raised, and (iv) allowing private sector players to build and manage assets.

There are ten infrastructure projects a national DA government would consider for urgent implementation:

1. The Moloto Rail Corridor

Currently 600 buses transport people from Kwandebele to Pretoria every day on the country’s most dangerous road. A new rail line would be safer and faster for commuters. The project has been costed and designed and has been approved by Cabinet, but it has never been implemented.

2. New West Rand express rail connection

The West Rand is currently not fully integrated into the key transportation corridors of Gauteng. The DA would consider a safe and reliable new Metrorail Daily Express train service linking Carletonville, Randfontein, Krugersdorp, Roodepoort and Johannesburg Park Station, where commuters may transfer to the Gautrain and Johannesburg BRT bus systems.

3. Alternative (private) international airports

A national DA government would licence additional international airports to provide competitive alternatives to ACSA. This will reduce the cost of landing fees for international airlines and assist airfreight and logistics companies through greater competition.

4. Light-rail alternatives to new Gautrain routes

The Gautrain currently operates as an inter-city express and is not effective as part of an integrated metropolitan transport system. The DA would not implement further costly extensions to the Gautrain, but would support high-speed, light-rail alternatives in the metros of Gauteng.

5. New East Rand BRT system

The Ekurhuleni Municipality has not made changes to its bus system in 18 years and has therefore forfeited the available grant funding from Treasury to build a sensible transportation system.

A DA government would implement a BRT system to integrate communities in Alberton, Germiston, Kempton Park, Tembisa and Brakpan with the Gautrain at Rhodesfield, to link up with the Johannesburg BRT system and the Gautrain bus distribution network.

6. The reconfiguration of key sea ports and pricing

The DA would adjust our port pricing system and make the necessary port conversions to allow for oil rig repairs and maintenance at our ports. Dry docking space at our ports will also need to be built and tourist friendly passenger terminals should be constructed for cruise ships and passenger liners.

7. A new Metrorail link between Motherwell, Coega and the central Port Elizabeth train station

The DA would support linking Coega, Motherwell and the central Port Elizabeth train station, bringing commuter rail services to new communities whilst also linking the Coega development to the CBD.

8. Re-engineering the Nelson Mandela Bay Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN)

Currently deemed an engineering and construction disaster, the DA would urgently re-engineer the new BRT or Integrated Public Transport Network, and implement the bus routes with the buses that have already been purchased for this system.

9. The urgent upgrading and maintenance of provincial roads systems in all nine provinces

The DA would urgently implement accountability structures for provincial project managers, ensuring that all provincial roads and alternative routes to the existing toll roads were adequately resurfaced and maintained over time. This would be funded by ring-fencing our current fuel levies, and top-ups by Treasury where necessary.

10. The use of new techniques for the resurfacing of gravel roads

Using new, cost-effective and long-lasting techniques of sealing and resurfacing gravel roads (currently not being used by government), the DA would ensure that our roads reach an adequate level of construction and performance.

Medium-term projects and infrastructure projects not supported by the DA are included in the full press conference document <https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_-slGu8-FTxQi1hbnIzcXdTZFE> .

We believe that these projects can kick-start an infrastructure programme designed to serve the needs of South African communities and the South African economy.

We will challenge the ANC to take up these proposals to fully harness the potential of transport infrastructure to build a thriving South African economy and an integrated South African society.