George rapid transport system roll-out on hold

The George Community Forum (GCF) in the southern Cape has welcomed the decision by National Minister of Transport Blade Nzimade to suspend the roll-out of the Go George rapid transport system.

The long-awaited system was intended to be rolled out last week but was put on ice due to opposing statements between the national transport minister and provincial transport MEC Donald Grant.

The roll-out of the next phase was lined up for areas which had been excluded in the initial phases, and included the poorer areas of Lawaaikamp, Borchers, Ballotsview, Thembalethu and Parkdene.

This week chairperson of the GCF, Xolisani Booi, said the forum is opposed to the roll-out until all relevant stakeholders had been properly consulted as part of the plan.

“Stakeholders like the taxi industry and local community structures have been excluded from the programme,” Booi said. “We protest against the roll-out until all stakeholders in George are brought on board.”

Nzimande announced the cancellation of the projected roll-out until further notice during a media briefing at the George municipality last week whilst on the campaign trail, while he also met transport stakeholders regarding Go George bus service.

At the media briefing, Nzimande said it is in the interest of all George residents and the local economy that the town must have a proper and fully integrated public transport system.

He said: “ln order to ensure a successful service, the postponement will allow more time for engagement with all the stakeholders.”

In response, Grant called Nzimande’s statement “unfortunate and premature”.

Grant said: “This press statement is ill considered, given the fact that my department and George Municipality have a close relationship with the national department of transport.

“In fact, we have continued to engage the national department of transport throughout on the timing and implementation of the further roll-out of the Go George bus service,” said Grant.

– African News Agency (ANA)

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