The ANC Ekurhuleni Caucus expressed its concern about the slow infrastructural progress of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) in the metro.
Although the caucus noted some developments at some bus stations, it raised concerns about the slow pace of development in the infrastructural project.
The ANC Ekurhuleni Caucus’ chief whip, Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi, and exco members conducted a site inspection of the IRPTN project in Tembisa on October 4.
“We note there’s some movement in some stations, particularly Rabasotho Bus Station, which is the main station. We are encouraged there is now some willingness to deal with the issue of infrastructure,” said Dlabathi.
“However, we are concerned about the fact that the infrastructure is not entirely completed and it is almost three years of this administration. That is a worrying factor for us because without proper infrastructure it will be difficult to fully operationalise the project,” said Dlabathi.
“When the new administration took over in 2016, it resolved that it must conduct strong political oversite on all the City’s flagship projects, and IRPTN is one of them. The caucus believes IRPTN infrastructural development is a game changer because it stands to benefit the residents of Ekurhuleni through an improved transport system.”
The IRPTN aims to transform public transport within Ekurhuleni, providing an affordable, yet high-quality public transport system in line with national policy. Its main objective is to provide a new and attractive transport network that includes road and rail public transport.
Limited service of the Harambee BRT system started in October 2017.
Because of demand, the City will introduce at least 22 new buses to improve its operations later this month.
The caucus started the site inspection by riding in a Harambee bus from Tembisa Hospital to the Harambee operation centre in Kempton Park.
“We will put our report in writing and give it to the City’s executive with our observations. Most importantly, we will make our input, as to what we think should be done in order to correct some of the observations. We have noted some weaknesses in the project.
“We are not entirely satisfied with the project because it affects the efficiency and professional manner in which the operations are taking place. However, we are encouraged by the improvement that we are seeing in addressing the infrastructure that has been outstanding for some time. We are encouraged by the fact that buses are on the road, in particular the great demand to OR Tambo International Airport and coming back to the township,” Dlabathi added.
