Long-awaited GO!Durban project standstill
The GO!Durban project has been described as nothing more than a 'white elephant'.
THE GO!Durban project, which was implemented to provide a fully integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) for the people of eThekwini, is still a ‘no go’.
The brand, GO!Durban, was introduced back in 2013. When the project was first introduced, it was reported that it would revolutionise and modernise the way of life for all citizens, tourists and business people travelling through the city.
ALSO READ: Opening of first Go!Durban route delayed
At the project’s early stage, the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) announced that the estimated total budget for all of the project’s phases would equate to R20b over a period of about 10 years.
Even though the first GO!Durban prototype station structure, at the intersection of Regent Street and Qashana Khuzwayo Road in New Germany, was completed in 2017, not one bus can be seen on site.
ALSO READ: Billions allocated for the Go!Durban project
The eThekwini Municipality was questioned about the reason for the delays and it said, “We will communicate our next course of action in due time. The City is currently busy ensuring that it follows all necessary processes and irons out any matters with the public transport industry, as an important stakeholder in this process.
The waiting game
The DA PR ward 21 councillor, Riona Gokool, described the GO!Durban project as nothing more than a ‘white elephant’.
“This project has cost the ratepayers of eThekwini billions of rands. The Democratic Alliance has consistently applied pressure on ETA officials, asking for a full analysis and breakdown of exactly how much the project has cost the ratepayers, to date, and figures for the future,” said Gokool.
She added that the delays are unfortunate as this project was supposed to bring investment into the city and have multiple spin-offs for the economy, helping increase the employment rate but, instead, the project has continued to frustrate eThekwini residents.
The Highway Mail spoke to some business managers and owners on Qashana Khuzwayo Road about the project.
A pharmacist at Shepmed Pharmacy, Ismail Khan, said he was looking forward to seeing the project succeed.
“It is actually sad and disappointing that, after all these years, it has not kicked off. This was going to benefit the public. They would have had easy access to their destinations and it was going to be good for all of the businesses. It is sad that so much money has been wasted. It is just standing still and no one is benefitting from it. With the looting, less people are coming here and I believe getting this project going will be a boost that
businesses around here need.”
ALSO READ: eThekwini launches integrated rapid public transport network
The Orsum Pet Shop owner, Kevin Ferguson, sighed and shook his head when asked about the GO!Durban project.
“It has been eight years, if I’m not mistaken. It is just dragging. First, our businesses were negatively affected when it all started with all the
roadworks. The amount of money spent is just shocking and yet, we have not seen not even one bus on the route. Billions of rands have been spent for a standstill project and I think that money should have been used to repair the infrastructure and to help the people. There are no jobs, many families are struggling. If they have issues, they need to sort them out and get this project going. Money is still being pumped into this project as there are security guards on duty 24/7 and the lights inside the terminals are forever
turned on. What are waste, it’s actually very sad.”
ALSO READ: Incomplete GO!Durban road works angers businesses
The manager of Captain’s Catch Fish n’ Chips, Roy Anunthkumar, said, “In the beginning, there was a time frame and they used to consult with us as the
roadworks affected businesses around here. It has now gone quiet. We do not know what is happening and the reason it has stopped. We just wish they could liaise with us and the public. We deserve to know the reason for the hold up. From my own personal view, I truly believe that this was a great project that
was going to benefit a lot of people. The public were excited about it. They just need to speed up the project. It will also be a bonus for us as our businesses have been affected by the looting.”
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