The Portfolio Committee on Transport has reservations about the delayed implementation of the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) in Rustenburg. The project is the only one of its kind in the country, where the city centre is linked with rural areas and several mines around Rustenburg.
The committee undertook the North West leg of its weeklong oversight on Wednesday, where it monitored the stalled implementation of the IPTN. Rustenburg Local Municipality’s municipal manager told the committee that 80% of the project had been completed, and that the first phase will see 90 buses running.
The municipal manager also said that driver training has begun and will be reviewed as programmes and technology evolve. The project has the full support of the taxi industry, however challenges from the business forum arose around maintenance opportunities. Other challenges include insufficient budget and relocation of bulk services infrastructure.
The Speaker of the municipality, Mr Koketso Mogomotsi, said the council is waiting for a report on the condition of the 10 buses already procured and the completed bus station. In addition, the council requires a programme that deals comprehensively with vandalism of municipal infrastructure.
Committee member Mr Lisa Mangcu questioned the money spent on the project and the bus company’s governance structure. He recommended that permanent appointments be made to the structure soon and that the project be implemented in three months’ time. Failure to implement it should result in the grant being withdrawn. “This is what the committee will and should recommend,” he said.
Committee member Mr Makhosini Chabangu wanted to know the reason for the termination of two contracts and was told this was because of poor workmanship. The committee also heard that one station collapsed, as it had been constructed on a slope, but insurance was paid and action was taken against the contractor. “Why are you moving at a snail’s pace? When do you envisage completion of this project? Would you be able to meet the time you set for yourselves given that you are contemplating 150 stations? Is this not to much?” Mr Chabangu asked.
He said it concerned him that money allocated to the project had been returned to the Treasury. “If this occurs, it means the people of Rustenburg do not need the money to improve their living conditions, let alone creating the jobs. All councillors must fast track the implementation of the project,” he said.
Members also asked about other issues, such as whether funds had been paid to contractors without any services in return. They also queried the expense of training drivers when there are no buses running.
Committee member Mr Isaac Seithlolo said while the municipality struggled to meet its deadlines, commuters are suffering. “Money had been spent, millions, contractor received money and commuters remained without buses. The collapse of the station is a small problem; the municipality is incapable of achieving the implementation of the project.” He was pessimistic about the project, as the infrastructure the committee saw will have to be redone from scratch, resulting in massive cost escalations. “This is sad; it is an embarrassment,” he said.
Sibongile Maputi
21 April 2022
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