The extent to which people can access opportunities available depends on how easily they are able to move around their towns, cities and country. When individuals cannot move around freely and easily, their access to economic opportunities is impaired.
KZN has a well-developed road network, but it is deteriorating, particularly outside metropolitan areas and national roads. Our province’s rail network is extensive but poor management of this sector means there are fewer and fewer trains. Taxis are cheap, but often unsafe and poorly controlled. Meanwhile, the subsidisation of buses has not kept pace with inflation, with the result that this service is rapidly deteriorating.
Strategic transport investment is integral to growing our province’s economy. Sound transport systems with a safe and well-built infrastructure is a winning recipe. Regrettably, in KZN the wrong ingredients have been added to this recipe making it a complete flop.
Transport is fundamental not only to our daily routines but also to the future of our planet. From the buses and trains that get us to work, to the cars we drive and the planes that connect us globally, transport is a vital thread in the fabric of modern society. Transport shapes our cities, impacts our environment, and influences our quality of life. It’s the backbone of economic growth, enabling trade, creating jobs, and fostering connectivity.
Sadly, under KZN’s Department of Transport (DoT), there has been little to no improvement of our province’s roads and transport system. There has also been little done to bridge the transport gap between rural and urban areas. Few of the available transport modes are affordable to most citizens, who remain living in poverty. These transport modes are also poorly maintained, unreliable, overcrowded, and unsafe.
A non-functioning eThekwini port, a non-existent railway system, an unsafe taxi industry, roads riddled with potholes the size of craters, damaged bridges and untarred roads. This is unfortunately KZN’s current reality.
The department has failed in its mandate to create a safe road environment, through the reduction of road accidents. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has tried numerous times to get the department to intervene and provide long-term solutions to our municipal and regional roads. Every week that it leaves these roads unattended is another week that a life is lost. Every day without fail there are headlines of horrific accidents on our roads yet there has been no plan of action from the department.
Despite this alarming situation, KZN’s DoT has been the biggest contributor to government department irregular expenditure in the last five years, failing to spend its infrastructure budget effectively and fully each year. In 2023, the department surrendered R200million towards the provincial reprioritization exercise. This, despite the increased demand for repairs to storm damaged roads. These funds were surrendered due to slow spending on various road rehabilitation projects related to the April 2022 floods.
The department also has issues with non-compliance with Treasury and PFMA Legislation, non-compliance with Supply Chain Management (SCM) and contract management. Government and the people of our province are not getting value for money due to the appointment of contractors who deliver shoddy workmanship when constructing roads and bridges. Yet these contractors are not held accountable.
The DoT also continues to procure goods and services on expired contracts. Meanwhile, management’s action plan, to address prior years audit issues and recommendations, was not implemented timely, resulting in findings reported the prior year not being adequately addressed. The Auditor-General (AG) identified significant control deficiencies within the SCM control environment due to the lack of a proper document management system to support compliance with relevant SCM prescripts. DoT vacancies at senior management level are also currently sitting at 13%, contributing to the root causes of significant audit findings, particularly those relating to SCM.
As part of KZN’s government of provincial unity (GPU), the DA will continue to play its oversight role to ensure accountability and transparency when it comes to budgeting processes and how funds are allocated and spent within KZN’s DoT.
While the rest of the world moves forward with new developments in transport and infrastructure, in KZN, government has continued to pander to the taxi industry – an industry which continues to obtain government subsidies and incentives, while other industries are left by the wayside.
We cannot deny that the taxi industry plays a crucial role in KZN’s transportation network, providing an essential service for countless individuals who rely on it for their daily commute. However, government must also be brave enough to stand up to an industry that has ensured – over the years – that its business is entrenched in society through violence, intimidation, harassment, bullying and being politically connected.
One of the most pressing issues within the taxi industry is safety. There have been numerous reports of incidents and accidents involving taxis, often the result of reckless driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and poor road conditions. The lack of strict enforcement of traffic regulations and the absence of regular vehicle inspections contribute to these safety concerns.
KZN’S GPU must have the political will to deal with the taxi industry and give confidence and surety to all transport industry role players that our province is free and fair and that its citizens have the right to partake in this free economy. It must have the have the political will to say ‘enough is enough’ to the taxi industry and those who have intimidated private transport, scholar transport, bus services and rail services.
The time has come for law enforcement to act without fear or favour, to step out of their offices and onto our roads and to act in the best interest of the people of KZN. Implementing stricter regulations and ensuring regular inspections can improve safety and service standards. The rule of law must apply across the board.
The DA eagerly awaits the establishment of the taxi industry Smart Card System. The Taxi Lekgotla held in October 2021 resolved that the industry move from a cash system to an electronic fare management system. In November 2020, the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison concluded an agreement with the South African Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KZN for the implementation of a programme to improve and formalise the taxi industry so that it can gradually become a desired mode of public transport.
The DA will closely monitor the filling of vacancies within Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Public Transport Enforcement Services as part of improving capacity. By the end of 2023/24, the department anticipates conducting 1 481 multi-disciplinary operations, 15 140 speed operations, 474 drunk driving operations, more than 918 310 stop/inspect operations, as well as weighing more than 155 268 vehicles. The DA is committed to playing its oversight role on this.
We urge the DoT to tighten its purse strings when it comes to programmes such as the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Zibambele. However noble they may be, these programmes have become nothing more than job for pals and electioneering tools. If implemented correctly without political interference, the beneficiaries of these programmes could benefit and contribute to the economy, all while delivering on their mandate.
Working with these programmes, KZN can develop and implement efficient, safe and co-ordinated systems to allow for the cost-effective movement of people and goods by road. This must be done by;
• Protecting the extensive capital investment in the road system by systematically following a planned maintenance programme supported by a dedicated road fund
• Ensuring the smooth flow of traffic by improving the road environment with signage and the use of intelligent management systems
• Reviewing the use of toll roads and introducing new concessions compelling them to pay a percentage of their revenue towards community upliftment and transport subsidies and;
• Ensuring an effective road safety environment through education, traffic policing and enforcement.
It is sad and frustrating that in 2024 KZN has not implemented alternate methods of constructing roads and bridges. Potholes, cracks and uneven surfaces are increasingly common, leading to unsafe driving conditions and vehicle damage. The causes of this deterioration are multifaceted, including ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance and the impact of extreme weather conditions. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to invest in road repairs and upgrades to ensure a smoother and safer driving experience.
The DA will continue to advocate for increased funding for road maintenance and upgrades to improve safety and move towards reduced travel time. Time is money. Residents, goods and services cannot spend hours on the road taking away from productivity and turnaround time, which ultimately has an effect on our economy. Due to the high costs and uncertain supply of bitumen, innovative alternative materials must be researched and used in the construction of our roads.
Roads that connect our people, our cities, and our nation are more than just pathways, they are the lifelines of our economy, the veins through which the vitality of our country flows. We face the need for continuous upgrades to our infrastructure to keep pace with our growing population and increasing demands on our road networks.
Investments in road safety are equally important. With improved roads come increased responsibilities and we must ensure that our infrastructure supports safe driving practices, with well-maintained signage, regular road inspections, and effective traffic management systems. Public awareness campaigns and education on road safety are crucial in fostering a culture of responsibility and care among drivers.
Looking forward, there is a growing emphasis on integrating technology with our road systems. Smart traffic management systems, real-time traffic updates, and innovations such as automated vehicles are set to revolutionize how we travel and manage our roads. Embracing these technologies will not only enhance efficiency but will also contribute to our efforts in reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life.
We are on the threshold of a new era in infrastructure development, one where innovation is reshaping the way we build and experience our roadways. We need to embrace it as a province.
The future of road construction is about pioneering solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety. In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable transformation in road construction techniques, driven by technological advancements and a growing awareness of environmental impacts. The traditional methods of roadbuilding are being complemented, and in some cases, replaced, by cutting-edge innovations that promise to revolutionize our infrastructure. Under the GPU, this too can be realised.
One of the most exciting developments in this field is the use of smart materials. These materials are engineered to respond to environmental changes and improve the longevity of road surfaces. For example, self-healing asphalt contains special additives that can repair small cracks and prevent them from worsening. This innovation not only extends the lifespan of our roads but also reduces maintenance costs and minimizes disruptions to traffic.
Another significant advancement is the integration of recycled materials in road construction. By using recycled plastics, rubber, and even glass, we can reduce the demand for virgin resources and lower the environmental footprint of our infrastructure projects. For instance, plastic roads, made from recycled plastic waste, offer enhanced durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. This approach not only helps manage waste but also contributes to more sustainable road building practices.
The concept of permeable pavements is another noteworthy innovation. These pavements are designed to allow water to pass through the surface, reducing runoff and mitigating the risk of flooding. Permeable pavements also help recharge groundwater and improve the health of urban ecosystems. As KZN grapples with the challenges of climate change, such solutions are becoming increasingly vital.
Furthermore, the rise of automated and autonomous construction machinery is transforming how roads are built. Drones, robotics, and 3D printing technologies are being employed to enhance precision, efficiency, and safety on construction sites. These technologies enable us to carry out complex tasks with greater accuracy and in less time, leading to faster project completion and reduced labour costs.
Innovation in road construction also extends to smart transportation systems. The integration of sensors, data analytics, and communication technologies into our road networks allows for real-time monitoring and management. Intelligent traffic management systems can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve overall safety. This data-driven approach not only enhances the efficiency of our roads but also provides valuable insights for future planning and development.
As we embrace these innovations, it is crucial to consider their broader implications. Sustainable practices and technological advancements must be coupled with thoughtful planning and community engagement. We need to ensure that our road construction projects align with the needs of communities and contribute to a more equitable and accessible transportation system.
The future of road construction is bright and full of promise. By harnessing the power of innovation, we are paving the way for smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient infrastructure. As government moves forward, it must remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and to building roads that not only meet the demands of today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow.
Transport is more than just a means of getting around. It’s a reflection of our values and a determinant of our future. By embracing innovation, supporting sustainable practices, and investing in infrastructure, we can build a transport system that not only meets our needs today but also preserves our planet for future generations.
By working together, KZN’s GPU, government officials, industry stakeholders, and communities can tackle these issues and create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable DoT for the people of our province. There needs to be meaningful change to ensure that the DoT serves our communities effectively and responsibly.
KZN’s roads are a powerful symbol of our progress and our potential. They are the arteries of our province’s growth, linking communities, facilitating commerce, and shaping our future. As government continues to invest in and improve our road infrastructure, it must remain committed to fostering innovation, ensuring safety, and promoting sustainable development.