APPROPRIATION BILL

(Second Reading Debate)

Vote 9 – Public Works, Roads and Transport – R668,738 000

The SPEAKER: We shall proceed to Motions. Motion 1 reads as follows:

That the Second Reading Debate on the Appropriation Bill be continued.

The Vote before the House is that of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

The hon MEC, Mr Malebo.

Mr S M A MALEBO (MEC): Hon Premier in absence, hon Members of the Executive Council, hon Members of Legislature.

Mass mobilisation against exploitation and oppression was enhanced and advanced by the campaigns that were led against high bus fares and segregated services. In fact, some of our key political figures joined the struggle at that time, responding to the call of “Azi Khwelwi” in 1949/1950 and subsequent years. We can even recall the bus drivers and general transport workers who went on strike in the 1980’s in Mangaung and Botshabelo.

I recall these historical moments, because those mass campaigns laid the basis of today’s transport policy. Central to those strikes were the demands for affordable fares and a non-discriminating public transport service, that not only enabled the general public, but the poor and workers in particular to access education, health, job opportunities and other social amenities.

Since 1994 we have traveled these roads and can point to significant milestones to realise the dream of our people for efficient and effective transport services. That service represented the needs of all people, including business and farming communities.

A reflection on the previous budget will indicate that we cut the personnel costs and improved on the capital budget. Our capacity to spend on budgeted allocations has improved as all budgeted funds will either be spent or committed by the end of this financial year.

Our capacity to deliver has been greatly enhanced by the improved relationships between client departments and ourselves.

On behalf of our Government, major road rehabilitation and maintenance programmes are being undertaken and a number of schools, clinics, hospitals and welfare institutions are being renovated or refurbished. For the full record of our achievements, I refer you to our Annual Report that was tabled in this House in August.

All of this work is aimed at reducing the 48% poverty levels of the majority of Free Staters who are said to living below the breadline. As part of reversing this situation, 162 men and youth plus another 50 women received technical training to improve their capacities to employ themselves or establish businesses to employ others. This improved our job creation initiatives.

Government has experienced an increase in revenue from the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport. This increase is an indication of improved service delivery at collection points and a strategic step to enhancing our ability to do more.

The 2001/2002 financial year was indeed the beginning of an increase in spending on infrastructure to enhance the economic efficiency of the Free State and the reduction of poverty ratings. This year’s budgetary allocations must continue to do that. Central to this year’s budget, the following strategic initiatives will be instituted:

· Labour intensive projects aimed at creating jobs in most poverty-stricken areas will be undertaken. The Letsema campaign will be supported by this initiative. Our contribution to Letsema will be supported to the tune of R10 million. We will not forget women and youth. This allocation will either be used to obtain material and equipment for those who will be involved in the Letsema, particularly in the refurbishment of schools and community amenities.

· A comprehensive road plan for the Free State will be drafted and agreed upon by all stakeholders. Stakeholders will include amongst others, professionals, road users and all spheres of government. Safe and well-maintained roads are a developmental necessity that all Free Staters must agree upon across all divides and pursue it as one people.

District councils and municipalities will play a significant role in the drawing of the Free State Road Plan 2020.

The most significant campaign for us this year will be to ensure that Road Safety is driven and central to all formations and institutions in the Province. This year, pedestrian’s safety must be mounted as a yearlong campaign. More that 50% of road deaths of Free Staters are those of pedestrians, hence the need to mobilise every sector of society and every road user to participate in the Road Safety Campaign. Road Safety will therefore, be funded appropriately for this purpose.

Whilst we have reduced the number of deaths on our roads, the statistics are still too high and too costly for a developing state such as ours. Let us work toward ending the carnage on our roads.

OUTLOOK FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR

Our policy priorities in the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport remain, as in the past, underpinned by the National and Free State Development Plan priorities. The integrated strategic plans for the MTEF period clearly link these priorities to our chosen departmental objectives. The Budget for 2002/2003 reflects the strategic plan in operational terms.

In line with departmental policy, the ratio of infrastructure spending as a percentage of the allocated budget will increase to 26%. In an effort to increase effectiveness, project-planning phases were completed during the last quarter of the current financial year, thus decreasing project implementation lead-time significantly.

Infrastructure spending will also benefit from a revenue fund to be implemented during the coming financial year. This fund, consisting of revenue collected in excess of a pre-determined baseline, will be used to upgrade registration offices, testing stations and the road network. Revenue maximisation will be seen as an ongoing priority. However, in the coming year more resources will be used to further decrease outstanding debt owed to the Department.

As a drive to accelerate essential skills in the department, four critical areas namely financial, engineering, information technology and project management were identified as targets for bursaries. A total of R420 000 was included in the budget for this particular purpose.

ALLOCATION OF FUNDS

To enable us to continue with the challenge of improving the lives of our people and effect visible change on the ground, our budget for the next financial year is as follows:

An amount of R668,738 million has been allocated to the whole Department – last years adjusted budget was R653,645 million. This translates into a nominal increase of 2,3%. This amount will be distributed amongst the programmes of the Department as follows:

DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES (R129,961 million)

The key outputs - we are committing ourselves to the coming financial year including the implementation of the LOGIS system at our warehouses, the result of which will be sound procurement and inventory management. An early warning financial reporting system, to ensure basic internal control of validity, accuracy and completeness will be continued. In line with Government’s commitment to reduce inequality and promote social development, a procurement policy, which will seek to develop and empower Small -, Medium - and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), and previously disadvantaged individuals, will be finalised.

DIRECTORATE: ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (R7,698 million)

As a Department, we need to reflect whether we are contributing towards the necessary progress in advancing the Constitutional rights of the previously disadvantaged and transformation of our country. We are in the process of finalising strategies that will seek to proactively address issues around transformation; human resource development; HIV/AIDS and special programme.

Through this programme, my Department will ensure that the necessary resources are injected to contribute towards the spirit of “Letsema” and “Vukuzenzele” through ensuring that women, the disabled and the youth participate in these people’s campaigns. In this we will strive to give real meaning to the strategic challenge facing the public service, Batho Pele! We are also continuously improving the way we communicate with our stakeholders as well as improving our corporate image.

In line with our “Free State on the Move” programme, the following projects will be undertaken:

1. Developing business units for maintenance of the rural road network;

2. Refocusing of the Government Garage to a ring-fenced autonomous business model;

3. Establish an autonomous business unit for road building equipment;

4. Rebuilding of the Ficksburg/Clocolan road and Thabong bypass will be completed;

5. Disposal of Furniture Factory;

6. Appointing a public agency to maintain the Jim Fouchè Holiday Resort;

7. Camera House – ensure a more efficient and effective traffic management system by adopting a zero-tolerance strategy with regard to speeding and moving vehicle violations; and

8. Weigh Bridges – implementing a well developed overloading system to protect our expensive road infrastructure

The initial success of the “Free State on the Move” programme can be measured in the reduction of personnel costs and the improved efficiency of the Government Garage. As part of this initiative, a total of 10 houses have been sold in Qwaqwa and 25 deeds of sale have been handed in at the Deeds Office for registration.

DIRECTORATE: WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE (R154,804 million)

In line with the goals of facilitating economic growth, job creation as well as creating a sustainable environment for SMMEs, local communities will be targeted for labour needs. Moreover, we will utilise existing SMMEs who have previously been trained through aligning the preference system of labour intensive designs.

In an attempt to enhance tourism, the following projects will be undertaken:

• New chalets at Tussen-die-Riviere nature reserve

• Gariep Dam nature reserve;

• New entrance gate and accommodation at Koppies nature reserve;

• New accommodation and infra structure at Erfenis Dam nature reserve;

• Development of infra structure at Soetdoring;

• Sandveld Caledon; and

• Willem Pretorius nature reserves.

In order to provide access to formal education, the following new educational facilities will be constructed in the coming financial year:

• Ipetleng Combine in Petrusburg;

• Makwane;

• Refeng Thabo in Tweeling;

• Kgologano Secondary School – Viljoenskroon;

• Nkarabeng Secondary School – Kestell;

• Katiso Primary School – Dewetsdorp;

• Lieketseng Primary School – Virginia;

• Unity Primary School – Bloemfontein;

• Tshepano III School – Fouriesburg;

• JJ Kubheka Primary School – Deneysville;

• Louriespark Primary School – Bloemfontein;

• Reabetswe Primary School – Phuthatditjhaba;

• SS Paki Secondary School – Vredefort;

• Bluegumbosch Primary School – Phathatditjhaba;

• Thumisang Primary School – Senekal; and

• Kgotso – Uxolo Secondary School – Reitz;

Work on additions to the following facilities will be undertaken in the coming financial year:

• Bloemfontein: Rekgonne Primary School;

• Thaba Nchu: Tawana Primary School; and

• Tshiame: Tsebong Secondary School.

I must say that there will be seven schools that will receive our attention.

• Harrismith: Intabazwe Secondary School;

• Phuthatditjhaba: Lejoaneng School;

• Phuthatditjhaba: Diqhobong School

• Tshiame: Sasamala School;

• Harrismith: Vulindhlela Primary School;

• Harrismith: Nhlakanipho Intermediate School; and

• Harrismith: Qhubeka Primary School.

All these schools are in Harrismith and we will also attend the following:

• Phuthatditjhaba: Bluegumbosch Secondary School;

• Phuthatditjhaba: Bodibeng Primary School;

• Harrismith, Mandela Park: Qwabi Primary School;

• Phuthatditjhaba: Clubview Secondary School;

• Phuthatditjhaba: Bluegumbosch Primary School; and

• Qwaqwa: Witsieshoek Primary School.

In an endeavour to improve access to health services, the under-mentioned health facilities will be refurbished or renovated:

• Pelonomi Hospital: Blocks U&B;

• Universitas Hospital: Roof over X-Ray Department,

parking and security fence;

• Moroka Hospital: Upgrading, alterations and

renovations;

• Elizabeth Ross: Phase 3B;

• Manapo Hospital: Psychiatric Unit;

• Ladybrand Hospital: Upgrading of roofs;

• Trompsburg: New Hospital;

• Jagersfontein,

Itumeleng Hospital: Upgrading; and

• Kroonstad,

Boitumelo Hospital: Replacement of roofs.

• Dealesville: New primary Health Care

Centre

Social Development projects

• Kroonstad Cross Street Regional Office: Upgrading and renovations; and

• Monument Place of Safety, Secure Care: Upgrading and renovations

DIRECTORATE: PROGRAME OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSET CONTROL (R39,274 million)

Speaker, to eradicate poverty, job creation and to teach society about Social Services continues to be a challenge. This program is earmarked for service provision in the rural communities, by way of providing basic services, SMME promotion and broaden the skills base in the areas of marketing and markets.

Education and training should be provided to the unemployed masses, especially, women, youth and the rural poor, to bring change at a faster pace, so that they become future employers and to take part in the national economy. In terms of voluntarism, the community is upgraded through part-time employment. The intention is to produce social treasures in a manner that would benefit the communities in terms running their own affairs.

The following projects and temporary employment have been identified:

- Edenburg road

- Philippolis road

- Fauresmith road

- Hertzogville road

- Luckhoff road

- Thaba Nchu road bridge

- Rosendal road bridge

- Children Home, Senekal;

- Children home, Wepener

- Koffiefontein sewerage water pipe.

Useless state asset will be awarded to municipalities to finalise the housing mandate. Land will be available to disaster stricken areas such as Weltevrede, Thaba Nchu and municipalities of Botshabelo.

In order to transfer the Rodenbeck land to the Mangaung municipality, section 1 and 2 will be awarded to individual beneficiaries directly.

In an attempt to enhance efficiency, effectiveness as well as accelerating service delivery to our clients, the department has already commenced with the rationalisation of office accommodation. This process will go a long way in ensuring that departments’ activities are executed from a single point.

DIRECTORATE: ROADS AND TRANSPORT PLANNING (R10,764 million)

*This programme is aimed at giving support to the components of transport infrastructure.

Projects in the planning phase are the Mangaung/Thaba Nchu transport area study, the planning of the upgrading of the access route to Bloemfontein via Eeufees Road, the computerisation of the road sign management system, as well as the planning of the construction of weigh-stations for moving transport.

Access routes at Sasolburg are also going to be improved. The design of an intersection junction at Sasolburg has already been finalised and will enter the construction phase during the coming financial year. One of the most important projects to be undertaken during the coming financial year, is the development of the Provincial Land Transport Framework (sic). The current road districts will be reconciled with the municipal boundaries according to this.

An Integrated Geographic Information Management System will also be developed to facilitate decision-making and monitoring, as accurate and reliable information will be available. A project management system for all projects in the Department forms part of a broader system.

Hon Speaker, the public will also be glad to hear that a problem area, the bridge over the Caledon River, which is frequently flooded, will also be part of the planning and be dealt with as a priority project.

That is very good. [Applause]

DIRECTORATE: ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE (R252,508 million)

#Roads are essential components of the transport system and one of the biggest investments of the Province in transport infrastructure. In line with the Free State Development Plan’s development goal, namely, providing sustainable infrastructure, various road projects will receive attention during the coming financial year. Contributing to the goal of promoting tourism and improving the access and safety of our roads to other provinces, the following plans are in place for the coming financial year:

· Resealing of Sasolburg bypass;

· Roads in the Heilbron and Winburg areas; and

· The Sasolburg P10/2 and Bloemfontein-Dealesville roads will all undergo construction.

Rehabilitation will be completed on the following roads:

• Ficksburg-Clocolan road;

• Bothaville-Orkney;

• Jammersdrift bridge;

• Bloemfontein-Soutpan; and

• P101 Qwaqwa.

The Department will still proceed with the re-gravelling of roads in various areas by supporting our major economic activity in the Free State Province, the agricultural sector, and by enabling mobility to rural areas, we are rendering an important challenge to economic development.

Labour intensive methods will be used on road works at Meqheleng; Thabong; Upgrade Route S1502 Qwaqwa; access to Oppermans and Sasol interchange. This is in line with the poverty alleviation policy of the Government. Other projects to be undertaken are as follows:

• Oppermansgronde – Upgrading

• Selosesha – Upgrading

• Construction of Vaalpark interchange – Sasolburg

This represents a capital investment of R432 million over the MTEF period and will contribute significantly to the strategic objectives of accelerating the delivery of basic needs, economic growth, job creation and rural development.

DIRECTORATE: ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (R58,313 million)

The aim of this programme is to establish and maintain a safe and efficient traffic system through traffic regulation, traffic policing, traffic safety programmes, functional training and administrative support. Guided by the implementation of the Arrive Alive campaign, which is the operational arm of the Road to Safety Strategy, the Department anticipates curbing road fatalities by 5% per annum.

The Arrive Alive Project is a 24-hour, 7 days a week project aimed at ensuring a coordinated, aggressive, sustainable, consistent and zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on our roads. The Road to Safety-strategy, launched during November 2001, will attack incompetence, fraud and corruption head-on in the areas of driver training and licensing, vehicle testing and on-road enforcement. Discipline in the Law Enforcement Directorate has already improved with 10 officials dismissed from service for amongst others, fraud and corrupt practices.

In line with this objective, effective overloading control facilities will be put in place at Kroonstad and Senekal, which will include sophisticated equipment such as screeners to monitor escape routes and industrial roof covering to ensure continued operations during extremely hot, cold and rainy seasons.

The Department will appoint 40 new traffic officers in the coming financial year to enhance traffic officer visibility in the province and to implement new computerized system of learner licenses and also to reduce incidents of bribery and corruption. 20 New vehicles will be used to enhance visibility of traffic officers and traffic in general. Improvement of the unit of legal services: a total amount of R1 million has been budgeted for the purchase of 20 new vehicles and 40 two-way radios.

The introduction of an IT system has helped in coordinating all other areas of traffic management in the province as it relates with data collection and storage and information exchange. We are in the process of assessing the services of a known expert in Psychology so that together we will be constantly assessing ways of dealing with depression-related cases.

The training of matric pupils regarding road safety is a step in the right direction in preparing them for service in the traffic industry. The introduction of a computerized system will be implemented in all magisterial courts to ensure a smooth collection of outstanding revenue.

The following testing stations will be renovated for the benefit of the communities: Botshabelo; Kroonstad; Koffiefontein; Ladybrand; Senekal; Bethlehem; Bothaville; Ficksburg; Parys and Heilbron.

DIRECTORATE: TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT (R15,416 million)

This programme entails the management of Land Passenger Transport (LPT) which includes all forms of predominately people’s movement on land, both public and private. This further entails various travel modes such as bus, minibus-taxis, private vehicles, bicycles as well as pedestrian movements. There are certain critical issues related to Land Passenger Transport which will be undertaken during the coming financial year. This includes the issuing of operator permits, the legislation of school and scholar transport services and the restructuring of the taxi industry – all taxi permits will be converted from radius to route based operating licenses. A sticker will also be displayed on the vehicle to indicate legislation to indicate legalised taxis operating on approved routes. Also, as part of the formalisation process, the department will embark on a process to legalise more than 1000 operators in order to legalise school and scholar transport services.

Development of an operating licence strategy

In order to ensure that operating licenses are issued in a structured and well-planned method, the Department will facilitate the establishment of planning authorities as well as ensuring that operating license strategy is in place.

Best Business Practice Project

The taxi industry lacks financial systems and control. A project known as bad business practice would be launched. This project is the first leg in developing a financial management system that will bring the industry into the mainstream of the economy.

Law Enforcement

In an attempt to make the public transport sector viable and reduce the scourge of piracy, we will intensify our law enforcement operation and ensure that the public transport industry remains a violence free sector.

Scholar Bicycle Project

In an attempt to promote non-motorised transport, the process of distributing bicycles to rural schools identified jointly with the Department of Education will vigorously continue, as approximately 500 bicycles will be distributed in the next financial year.

As far as a second type of bicycle project, namely the National Government Driven Shova ka Lula (Africa-bike) projects is concerned – the two towns of Theunissen and Edenburg have been targeted and both these venues are now officially launched. These projects are long-term in nature and benefit all the needy in rural areas. In the case of scholars, the bicycles are sold at half of the retail price.

Taxi Ranks

As part of the urban renewal strategy, the Department envisages to earnestly address the prevailing inhuman conditions at various taxi ranks. In partnership with the Mangaung Council, the Department initiated a project to address the problems with regard to the existing taxi rank. Similar to the above project, the Department in partnership with the relevant local authority is busy with projects to address the ranking facilities at Maseru Bridge as well as Wepener border post.

DIRECTORATE: GOVERNMENT GARAGE AND ROAD BUILDING EQUIPMENT (TRADE ACCOUNT)

Briefly on the Government Garage: The Department has embarked on a turn-around plan for the Government Garage and the following are positive results of the process:

• A vehicle replacement policy and master plan was developed according to healthy fleet management principles. The Government Garage will replace 151 vehicles during the first quarter of the coming financial year.

• The current fleet management system of First Auto also shows that the Free State Government Garage is currently operating at the lowest cost per unit of all government garages countrywide.

• An amount of R4,8 million is budgeted for by this Department for capital augmentation. This will assist with the turn-around plan of the Government Garage.

• Various technologies will be tested to enhance the fleet management system during the course of this financial year.

In line with our restructuring process, the Department has already solicited Treasury approval for renting out our road building equipment to increase our revenue. This transformation will go a long way in providing assistance in the form of resourcing the third sphere of Government.

In conclusion I now call upon School Governing Bodies to take part in the Letsema programmes to assist the Department of Education in ensuring a clean and healthy school environments.

*Hon Speaker, if we all unite to work in the interests of the Free State, I would like to make an appeal to the farmers today, to join hands with us – in the spirit of Letsema, in the year of the Volunteer... [Interjections]

#My Secretary is going to kill me!

*- ...to cut the grass next to the borders of their farms which are bordering provincial roads – also to erect and maintain fences to reduce the number of accidents caused by stray animals on our roads.

#Fellow Free Staters, let us reduce the death toll on our roads. All pedestrians should walk on the right side of the road and wear visible clothes at night. Let us make this our business.

Hon Speaker, through you I want to thank the hon Premier in her absence. I am grateful for the greatest time of my life - the opportunity you granted me to serve the Free Staters. What is greater than serving the Nation? This was indeed possible through your counsel and the true support of colleagues in the Executive Council.

Furthermore, I am grateful to the constructive engagement with the Portfolio Committee under the leadership of the hon comrade, Queen Letsoha-Mathae.

There were seven and a half thousand men and women who made all that we have achieved possible. I know that they are all determined and devoted under the leadership of Mr Ranthoko Rakgoale to improve on our achievements this year. I am indebted to you all.

I wish to also thank my pillars of strength – my support staff – Magda van Wyk, Ravanne Matthews, Malebeko Mocumi, Veli Mbali, Mpho Finger, Joel Saila and Lenka.

To my wife, the mother of my children, I am proud of you because it is with your support that I was able to achieve this. My family’s lobola has done me a lot of good. To the Almighty, I thank you Lord, forever and ever.

Transformation in the Free State has started. Join the Struggle!

I move, hon Speaker, that the House votes in favour of this budget. [Applause]

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