Johannesburg’s big budget for transport 28 June 2013 The City of Johannesburg has announced a whopping R40-billion three-year budget which included both operational and capital expenditure with key city clusters standing to benefit even more from the allocation. The newly re-arranged mayoral committee portfolios and responsibilities using the cluster approach would help bring improved levels of co-ordination, co-operation, and foster improved service delivery. Transportation, which falls under the economic growth cluster in the reorganised mayoral committee, was handed an operating budget of R1-billion and R3.1-billion for capital expenditure. Delivering the budget speech, Member of Mayoral Committee for Finance (MMC) Geoffrey Makhubo, indicated that the budget will focus on driving long-term infrastructure development plans. "The budget I am presenting today takes the first steps towards our target of spending in excess of R100-billion on infrastructure over a period of 10 years," he said. The MMC added that the capital budget will mainly go towards extending the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit into new areas. “The project continues to be a catalyst for accessible, affordable and integrated public transport through the Corridors of Freedom," he emphasised. A further R29.5-million was earmarked for cycling lanes and pavement improvements in Kaalfontein Ext 8, Ivory Park along the Midrand route and the Universities of Johannesburg and Wits routes, he explained. Johannesburg Roads Agency, which also falls under transportation, was allocated an operating budget of R736-million and a capital budget of R4.5-billion. The latter would be channelled towards the resealing, resurfacing and renewal of roads throughout the city, including in Bryanston, Sandton, Rivonia, Parkview, Eldorado Park and Riverlea. Projects will also include upgrades of the Naledi/Protea Bridge. "Other projects include traffic signal mobility management, gravel roads and the maintenance of roads, bridges and storm water infrastructure. “We will upgrade roads in Bram Fischerville, Diepsloot, Doornkop/Thulani, New Lawley, Orange Farm, Tshepisong and Ivory Park," he said. Metrobus received an operating budget of R483.1-million and a capital budget of R101.8-million towards the purchase of new buses.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 11:56:34 +0000