Mr Chair, Minister, Deputy Minister, colleagues, the hon Minister recently stated that, and I quote:
As part of South Africa's public transport strategy ... we are moving towards a high-quality integrated mass rapid public transport network, which includes rail, air, taxi and bus services.
The Public Transport Strategy aims to accelerate improvements in public transport by establishing integrated rapid public transport networks, which would introduce priority rail corridors and the bus rapid transport system. The IFP trusts that these goals will be reached sooner rather than later.
Given the state of the roads due to heavy-duty freight trucks, it is imperative that our rail network be drastically overhauled. It is encouraging to hear you saying that there is a bold plan. We have to ensure that our rolling stock is replaced, not just refurbished. Rolling stock is at the heart of the rail operations and we dare not allow it to deteriorate at any cost.
The key, therefore, is modernisation rather than rehabilitation. At times rehabilitation exceeds replacement cost. We have to build aerodynamic trains, which will result in lower fuel consumption and an increase in speed, which will also increase productivity. We have to look at this as a long-term socioeconomic investment, in line with the objectives of the New Growth Plan. Hon Chair, the IFP wishes to encourage the department to ensure that the available capacity - human resources, and especially intellectual capacity - is utilised optimally to ensure an effective, efficient delivery process. Projects of this nature require the services of only the best professionals, and it is therefore vital that the right people are appointed in the right positions; otherwise we are guaranteed failure.
A further point, hon Chair, is that of the financial management. We have to ensure that we have reliable financial forecasting when planning for these financially highly intensive projects. We further wish to encourage the hon Minister and the government to ensure that the public transport facilities are optimally used for the benefit of all South Africans.
Greater emphasis on synergy between the development of maritime transport regulations and trade regulations is an absolute necessity. We would like to see a maritime transport regulatory framework that complements customs regulations, ensuring an outcome that is responsive to national socioeconomic objectives. The projected growth within the freight logistics programme to establish a transport economic regulator that will respond to the challenges of freight movement is of some consolation in this regard.
Minister, the Road Accident Fund is in a bad state. Something will have to be done. I think we owe this to the people. There are so many deaths on the road and so many casualties.
I wish to compliment the department on its initiatives to develop both the civil aviation and maritime transport industries, as well as skills development, but I wonder if the budget allocation to these particular programmes is sufficient to truly have the desired impact, considering the magnitude of these industries and their long-term employment potential.
The IFP is concerned about the introduction of the toll gates, which will add to the cost of living. It is also tantamount to a high cost of transport and the cost will eventually be passed on to the consumer.
May I also mention, Mr Minister, that most of us were very disappointed at the removal of SAA from the route between Durban and Cape Town. I must say it's not very pleasant and I wish we could do something about that. The IFP supports this Budget Vote. I thank you.