Cape Town - The Department of Transport has been hard at work ensuring an efficient transport system is in place before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This was one of the FIFA requirements to host the event.

Addressing the media before tabling his Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe said for the world cup to be a success an efficient transport system was needed.

”We have worked hard to put up infrastructure that would meet the world cup transport imperatives while knowing that such infrastructure will continue to be invaluable in the transport needs of our people and economy long after the last goal is scored.”

A transport system which allows fans to efficiently move between stadiums and to their accommodation, recreational and tourist facilities is needed.

The minister said the department’s initiative to acquire 1400 luxury coaches to provide transport for guests attending the games were at an advanced stage.

Once the event is over these vehicles are to be ploughed back into the communities.

The department is working closely with the Local Organising Committee as they both share the vision that the world cup is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

The minister said the increased transport capacity would help resolve the limited transport capacity that was characterised by traffic congestion during peak hour traffic.

“What this means is that while we will seek to present a successful event that meets the expectations of football fans across the world as they converge in South Africa, the FIFA world cup events must help boost our economic development in general and our infrastructure development in particular.”

Over R13.6 billion has been allocated to improve the country’s infrastructure.

The minister said the overall investment framework in transport infrastructure in addition to
the Public Transport Infrastructure Fund included: road infrastructure (R70 billion); access to roads (EPWP) (R3 billion); airports development (R19.5 billion); air traffic navigation (R400 million); passenger rail (R18 billion); the taxi recapilisation programme (R7.7 billion) and the Gautrain (R25 billion).

Almost all of the major physical projects have started in all host cities. “Some have even been completed or are in the final stages of completion.” - BuaNews