The DA calls on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma to intervene over the failed Go Durban project – once hailed as a world class transport system within eThekwini – as it becomes yet another white elephant in the province.
The appeal comes after last weeks’ National Council of Provinces (NCOP) led oversights revealed that the project – launched in 2013 – shows no sign of being ready by the anticipated completion date of January 2025.
High operational costs and no revenue to date also automatically place it in a deficit for 10 years, making it unsustainable. Meanwhile, persistent issues including infrastructure not being maintained, interference by the taxi industry and business forums, vandalism and theft all point to the failure of the project.
During last week’s oversights, eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba undertook to conduct engagements with various stakeholders, including the Minister of Transport and relevant stakeholders to swiftly resolve the current impasse. The DA, however, is of the view that National Treasury should be part of this meeting.
From the start, the DA cautioned the municipality against going ahead with the project without addressing any and all potential issues. This was ignored. We have also repeatedly requested Go Durban’s financials from city Transport HOD, Thami Manyathi, however, the exact expenditure has not been forthcoming to date.
It is for this reason that we have also called on MEC Duma to summon Manyathi and senior departmental officials to appear before KZN’s COGTA portfolio committee. They must account for expenditure, lack of accountability and oversight on the project and provide a full report on a way forward.
It is no secret that eThekwini is on the brink of serious intervention by COGTA. The DA urges MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi and his department to put measures in place to curb future expenditure by eThekwini’s Transport Department.
Recent spikes in violent attacks by the taxi industry – on both public and private transporters – show that it will take real commitment to robust discussion between government and the taxi industry to come to an understanding that South Africa is a free economy and everyone has a right to participate in it.
Go Durban was intended to boost the local economy and bring employment and business to the route. This has not happened. It was also supposed to integrate with eThekwini’s other transport systems. This has not happened. Then there are the clear indications of financial mismanagement.
The time has come for decisions to be made in the interests of KZN’s people. Public money can no longer be spent on so-called catalytic projects that do not materialise.