Road Network

In keeping with Governments mandate to achieve equity the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is progressively working towards its minimum road equity of 42 025kms.

However, despite the budget increases received over the past years and the increases proposed over the MTEF period the department remains woefully under funded for the execution of its mandate. The Department requires additional funding to address the network backlog. The backlog has two components viz. securing a minimal equity road network, and restoring the network to its true asset value by increasing the level of maintenance expenditure. It is proposed to implement a 5 year strategy that required an annual additional budget of R2,4 billion.

Access

Access remains the key challenge to service delivery. The demand for pedestrian bridges and access roads is huge particularly in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. In a submission to the Finance and Economic Development Portfolio committee in April 2006 it was put on record that there is need to be build 146 pedestrian bridges province wide at an estimated cost of R206 million. With regards to access roads, it was reported also to the portfolio committee that 2 740km still remains to be constructed at an estimated cost of R687 million. The backlog remains huge however, as shown in the table below.

Programme

Total Value of Projects

2005/06 Budget

Budget Shortfall (R’000)

Community Road Upgrading

R 1 175 000

R 60 400

R 1 114 600

Access Roads

R 687 800

R 113 500

R 574 300

Pedestrian Bridges

R 205 750

R 32 000

R 173 750

Total

R 2 068 550

R 205 900

R 1 862 650

 

Road Network pictures [PMG note : graphics not included please email [email protected]]

The above backlog is based on current known demands and this will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the the budgetary implications will be amended accordingly.

 

Transport Corridor Development

Economic development particularly at a local level still remains a focal point in the government agenda. Transport corridor development as a flagship project as outlined by the Premier continues to receive our attention and support as the Department. This project focuses on continued support for the Lebombo Spatial Development Initiative that is linked to the construction of Main Road 700. The revitalisation of the rail link in the area of P700 will lead to spin-offs similar to those seen on the M4 to Mpumalanga. Importantly, the corridor has the potential of linking Richards Bay and Vryheid.

Road Network pictures [PMG note : graphics not included please email [email protected]]

In response from business representatives and community based organisations the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is considering for proposals for the upgrading of provincial roads that are of strategic national importance namely:

Projects

Budget R’millions

Sipofu

50

Impendle

100

Sani Pass

240

Cecil Max Pass

90

John Ross Highway

450

Inanda to Pinetown

560

Ulundi to Vryheid

200

Total

Cross Border Demarcation

The Department has conducted a needs assessment study with regard to the road infrastructure which identified a serious backlog shortage of infrastructure needs in the Umzimkhulu Municipality, at a estimated cost of R1,2 billion.

Zibambele Programme

As pioneers of the Zibambele Programme, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport will play a central role in the replication of this throughout other Provinces and municipalities in the country. There are currently 27,831 Zibambele members as at the end of the 2005/2006 financial year, mainting more than 14000 kms. The target for 2006/2007 is 32,041 contractors. The success of the Zibambele Programme receives accolades not only in KZN but in South Africa as a whole.

 

Previously the Zibambele programme has been seen as a poverty alleviation programme. However, there has been a dawn of a new paradigm, which is a shift from poverty alleviation to a developmental programme. This entails working with Zibambele Savings Clubs to form co-operatives or any other viable business deemed appropriate. For example the Department of Transport has collaborated with the Department of Agriculture on a pilot project whereby the Zibambele Savings Club in Vulindlela grow mushrooms.

Road Network pictures [PMG note : graphics not included please email [email protected]]

Government Led Initiatives and Programmes

It is of critical importance to ensure that the ideals of a seamless government are upheld. To this end, the Department of Transport pledges its support for all government led programmes as per the mandates of the government of the day. Operation Mbo, Project Consolidate and the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA), amongst others are such programmes that this department will advocate for.

 

Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)

The Cabinet of KwaZulu-Natal led by our Premier entrusted the coordination of the Expanded Public Works Programme to the Department of Transport. We have established a special EPWP Directorate under the Strategic Planning Chief Directorate to lead this programme. Through EPWP we will also accelerate infrastructure investment in the underdeveloped urban and rural areas of our province to improve service delivery in the areas of the second economy, including the provision of roads and rail. Challenges faced by the EPWP entail the sustainability of this programme as well as the application of EPWP principles in the implementation of the projects even at municipal level. This would be central to our role as the Department of Transport in leading this programme

 

2010 Soccer World Cup

The success of the 2010 World Cup is at the forefront of our planning in the Department of Transport amidst budgetary constraints. Road Infrastructure development, Integrated Transport Planning, a safe, regulated, affordable and efficient public transport system as well as overall safety on our roads are the critical issues that we have embarked upon a drive to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa as a whole is ready to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. A report has been submitted to the National; Department of Transport detailing the road infrastructure needs for the 2010 World Cup which is approximately R3 billion.

 

Collaboration with the National Department of Transport

I would be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the contribution of the National Department of Transport to infrastructure development in this Province. The John Ross Highway Project, the Isikhwebezi River Bridge, the NKODIBE Interchange, the Road to eQhudeni, to mention but a few are evidence of this collaboration with the national Department of Transport to change the lives of the people of this Province. Indeed there is hope for the weak in KwaZulu-Natal when there is partnership and collaboration amongst the different spheres of government for the general good.

Slide 1

As can be seen for the attached slides the Department of Transport Infrastructure Budget has grown from R764 million since 2002/03 to R2 625 million in the 2008/09 financial year. The Provincial Infrastructure Conditional Grants have increased from R132 million to R479 million which equates to between 17% and 22% as a percentage of the budget.

Slide 2

In the 2005/06 financial year the Infrastructure budget was R1 747 million and the Provincial Infrastructure Conditional Grant was R315 million which equates to 18%.of the total infrastructure expenditure. I am pleased to report that this entire budget was spent in the 2005/06 financial year.

Slide 3

As can be seen from the slide all the milestones that were set at the beginning of the financial year with regards to outputs and budgets was fully achieved at financial year end.

 

Conclusion

In summary the Department requires an additional budget of R16,752 billion. If this is funded over a 5 year period it amounts to R3,350 billion per annum.

As can be seen from the figures presented this department, we have enough capacity and appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems in place to deliver on our mandate. If additional funding can be sourced the Province of KwaZulu-Natal will write its own history and it will be a history of Glory and Dignity, as we continue "Defending the Weak" through the provision of more transport infrastructure such as pedestrian bridges, access roads, a safer road environment and an effective and efficient public transport system.

 

Massification of our rural growth and sustainable economic growth and development is not possible unless it is supported by appropriate transport infrastructure. Transport the world over is seen as a catalyst for change and improved service delivery.

 

Thank you.