Nelson Mandela Bay Metro: Minister must step in to end chaos in transport system
Note to editors: The following statement was distributed at a press conference hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro this morning by DA Shadow Minister of Transport Ian Ollis MP, DA Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Caucus Leader Leon de Villiers and Caucus Spokesperson Knight Mali. A copy of the document handed out at the press conference can be downloaded here.
The Minister of Transport, S'bu Ndebele, needs to step in to end the chaos surrounding the implementation of the Nelson Mandela Bay Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS).
Significant public funds have been invested in the IPTS in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. An initial grant of R520 million was provided through the Public Transport Infrastructure and System Grant programme in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 2011/12 to 2013/14 budget of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality allocated R985 million to the IPTS.
Despite this injection of funds, the full implementation of the IPTS system continues to be delayed and the inappropriate infrastructure that has been put in place has become a source of frustration for businesses, drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Metro Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile is blocking all efforts from the Democratic Alliance and civil society groups to get information on the reasons for the continued delays in the roll-out of the system and the possible rehabilitation of unsuitable infrastructure.