Deputy President Jacob Zuma opened a World Road Congress in Durban yesterday with a reminder to delegates of the some 100 member countries in attendance that transport infrastructures were critical to the continent's development.

"Transport plays a vital role in our transforming economy.

It is the cornerstone of economic and social development.

We look forward to a meaningful exchange of information and best practice concerning roads infrastructure development...

"By investing in assets such as roads, bridges and others, nations can best structure and enhance development and facilitate better economic activity. From this perspective, a country's transport and road infrastructure becomes an enabling industry," Zuma said.

The week-long congress which aims to promote international co-operation and technology transfer amongst members of the Paris-based Independent Association of Road Congresses (Piarc), is being attended by about 50 ministers, mostly from developing countries.

It has particular relevance for New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) initiatives, Zuma added. "The African Union and its socio-economic programme Nepad constitute some of the ways and means we have chosen in order to tackle the development challenges we find ourselves in.

Nepad has a set of important priorities, one of which is in the area of infrastructure development.

"The Nepad Infrastructure Short-Term Action Plan ... amongst others, indicate the seriousness with which we regard infrastructure development.

"The Plan focuses on trans-border infrastructure projects pertaining to energy, transport, water and sanitation, and information and communication technology, which could enhance regional integration in Africa," Zuma said.

Hosted by Transport minister Dullah Omar and organised by the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral), the Congress brings together decision-makers in road policy, researchers and practitioners, as well as an international forum of industry exhibitors in technological and product innovations, organizers said in a statement yesterday.

Added Nazir Alli, Sanral chief executive, "Our commitment to roads in southern Africa is underlined by our hosting the World Road Congress.

The mutual collaboration and cooperation afforded by Pirac will benefit the entire region". – Sapa.