Public Transport Month in review 1 Nov 2010

Deputy Director General Noxolo Mahitjwa who represented the MEC for Transport – Bheki Nkosi
Deputy Director General Noxolo Mahitjwa who represented the MEC for Transport – Bheki Nkosi

Cllr. Maipato Tsokolibane MMC of Health & Public Safety delivered an address on behalf of the Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality
Cllr. Maipato Tsokolibane MMC of Health & Public Safety delivered an address on behalf of the Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality

The launch of the facility in Bophelong was well attended by all stakeholders
The launch of the facility in Bophelong was well attended by all stakeholders
  On the 8th October, the MMC of Transport and Infrastructure – Cllr. Simon Maphalla officially launched Public Transport Month with a Transport Summit under the provincial theme “Green Transport contributing to cleaner and sustainable environment”.

In his opening remarks, Cllr. Maphalla recognized this Summit as a participatory forum for communication in close co-operation with recognised service providers such as Buses, Mini-Bus, Buses, Metered Taxis, Education Transport Operators and numerous role – players from the Commuter Organisation (GCO) resulted in this initiative expanding to play a significant role in efforts to achieve improvements in the Sedibeng transport system.  “This is a platform to show a significant progress in areas of co-operation and communication with the relevant stakeholders”, said Cllr. Maphalla.

Mr. Sarhili Manqa, the Director for Transport and Infrastructure offered a professional insight and advice by setting a tone and presented the Programme of Action (POA) outlining the objectives of the entire campaign. In his ambitious presentation, the Director sensitised the Taxi operators to avail their service particularly after 7pm. The discussions reflected this diversity of context and policies based on the POA. In the keynote address, the MMC for Transport and Infrastructure described the SDM’s plans for a New Bophelong Intermodal.  In turn, this gathering ends with a more detailed understanding of the unique conditions found in the District, and that public transport service improvement must not only be technical, but also be social.

For 2010 October Public Transport Month (PTM), a sod-turning event by the MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Work was also identified as one of the activities for this campaign.  On the 26th October at Bophelong human settlement, the Gauteng Provincial Government in consultation with the SDM and Emfuleni local Municipality launched this facility.

During this event, the Program Director, Cllr. Maphalla commented that large infrastructural projects of this nature will provide jobs at the construction and implementation phases and stimulate local and regional economic growth. While delivering the speech on behalf of the SDM Executive Mayor – Cllr. Simon Mofokeng, the MMC of Health & Public Safety – Cllr. Maipato Tsokolibane indicated how pleased the Executive Mayor is with the current development that will benefit the Emfuleni and Sedibeng community at large. Also present on behalf of the Emfuleni Executive Mayor was the Emfuleni Speaker – Cllr. Greta Hlongwane who praised the Province by rolling out this project and creating job opportunities for the community so that they should also pay their rates and taxes (Masakhane).

Amongst other dignitaries who were present were: Deputy Director General (DDG) Noxolo Mahitjwa who represented the MEC of Transport – Bheki Nkosi and MMC of Enviroment – Cllr. Dorcus Raditsel. The arrival of this project heralds many changes in the urban landscape, concured the DDG. This event ended with a jovial mood where representatives showed a significant willingness to co-operate with the District.

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