Chairperson, Minister, Deputy Minister and the department, it is a pleasure to note that 2012 has been declared the year of infrastructure development, demanding, amongst other things, better roads and an improved rail system. Infrastructural development will be driven by the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission, which was established last year and tasked with finding solutions to our existing infrastructural needs, inclusive of transport.
Transnet will invest R300 billion in capital projects over the next seven years, and R200 billion has already been allocated to rail projects. A further R854 million has been committed to infrastructure development in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, of which R267 million has been set aside for rail and road transport.
It is of the utmost importance that we direct our energies and efforts towards an effective and efficient rail transport system as this has been neglected over the years. The net effects are overuse and damage to the road infrastructure. The migration of freight transport from the medium of road back to rail must be encouraged and a policy decision taken in support thereof. The IFP fully supports the revitalisation of our rail system and all efforts associated with its modernisation. We firmly believe that rail should be the backbone of this country's transport system. This is also of further strategic economic importance to the country as an efficient rail network connects us to the continent and allows us to operate as an effective gateway to Africa. Of concern, however, is our rolling stock. This is currently over 33 years old and in dire need of replacement or refurbishment as it is both unsafe and unreliable.
The Gautrain is an excellent example of what a modern rail transport system has to offer and should be like in order to improve the lives of citizens. This high - level form of rail transport should be rolled out countrywide. On the contrary, the criminal theft of copper cable, however, continues to be most worrisome as it is both highly costly and disruptive to the efficient running of trains. The reality is that we should be looking at replacing copper cabling with a fibre-optic system as this will stop the theft thereof.
Our road network is also in a state of veritable disrepair and, once again, one of the major contributing factors is an ineffective and inefficient rail transport system. Heavy goods are being transported by road instead of by rail, the net result being the rapid deterioration of the road network. This, combined with insufficient road maintenance, creates problems and delays which, in turn, hamper economic growth. Potholes and poor maintenance abound in most of our provincial road networks. Two months ago I was personally a victim thereof. Travelling from Ulundi to Durban, I struck a pothole, which destroyed my right front tyre. This is certainly not an experience I recommend to any of you.
The Minister and the department must be thanked for their efforts with regard to the road safety campaign. However, the public must also take responsibility for ensuring safety on our roads. Last year we had major crashes with many fatalities.
The IFP also recommends that the testing of vehicles for roadworthiness be monitored closely as some of the establishments that test vehicles are highly questionable. The same oversight is required at our traffic departments in order to combat the high incidence of learner-and driver- licence fraud. We believe these measures will go a long way in promoting safety on our roads.
It is clear that the general public, labour and business are upset with the controversial e-tolling project in Gauteng and how it has been handled by the department. This appears to be a real challenge for the department, and I see that all the speakers are touching on this subject.
In conclusion, the IFP hopes that we can all work towards a South Africa in which reduced carbon emissions and sustainable, green environmental policy are the order of the day. Our future generations deserve nothing less. The IFP supports the Budget Vote. I thank you. [Applause.]