The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has allocated a budget of R8,478,597 billion for the fiscal year 2023/24 to accelerate the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of transport infrastructure projects. This is in response to Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s call for the improvement of previously neglected areas in the province. The budget reaffirms the department’s commitment to implementing the Gauteng Integrated Transport Master Plan in line with the province’s elevated priorities.
The story of eTwatwa’s MaMkhize, who looks after her wheelchair-bound grandchild, has inspired the department’s service delivery accelerator programme – #AgaLeRona. The programme focuses on efficient transport and road safety through fixing potholes, improving road conditions, and reducing accidents.
Arterial roads supporting Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are critical to the spatial transformation and mobility enhancement across the province’s 5,000-kilometer road network. These roads will unlock economic opportunities and facilitate seamless movement. Major road projects, including Solomon Mahlangu Drive and William Nicol Drive, are set to be completed in this fiscal year.
The department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with municipalities to enable provincial intervention in road maintenance. Plans are underway to refurbish 40 municipal roads in Emfuleni Local Municipality to improve access to transport services.
The department is finalizing consultations on “The Taxi Rank of the Future.” The one-stop facility will offer shops, banks, restaurants, and businesses. The Vereeniging Intermodal Facility will serve as a pilot for this ambitious project. The department is also collaborating with the Department of Economic Development to ensure local taxi operators participate actively in the transport value chain.
The allocation of R2,633,077 billion for the Public Transport Operations Grant (PTOG) signifies the department’s determination to turn the tide on chronic underspending. Changes are being introduced to transform the bus sector, ensuring that commuters are properly served.
The department plans to introduce a new, tamper-proof, and secure number plate system in October. This will reduce fraud and improve vehicle tracking.
Front-line licensing services, such as Driver Licensing Testing Centres, Motor Vehicle Licensing, and Transport Operating License Administrative Bodies, will be expanded in 26 prioritized townships, bringing essential services closer to communities.
Partnerships with various stakeholders will be established to implement effective campaigns and address the province’s high rate of fatal road crashes. The department’s generated revenue from motor vehicle registration and licensing fees has experienced a significant increase, reaching R4,548 billion in 2022/23.
Efforts are being made to achieve peak performance across all transport entities, including G-Fleet Management, which is being repurposed to integrate logistics as directed by the Premier. Other entities, such as the Transport Authority of Gauteng (TAG) and the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), are also working towards greater operational efficiency.
The department is committed to creating up to 11,000 job and training opportunities across the transport sector. This includes the first group of 6,000 EPWP Sivalazonke workers and 1,200 Points persons to ease traffic and mobility during peak hours and load shedding.
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