October is Transport Month, and this year the focus is on improving local infrastructure “together,” allowing South African travellers to enjoy safer, better roads.
The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has repeatedly reiterated the government’s commitment to these repair, expansion and maintenance projects.
Together with SANRAL, the Department of Transport has been making great strides in prioritising road infrastructure and safety improvements. This is especially true for dangerous roads and highways, as well as routes that would benefit local economic development.
Here’s what you need to be aware of during this October Transport Month.
Current October Transport Month Projects and Events
National Taxi Lekgotla
The National Taxi Lekgotla is scheduled to take place on 29 October 2020. The goal is to bring all the various stakeholders together to settle the ongoing debate on subsidising and regulating the taxi industry.
According to the minister, the taxi industry is an integral part of the economy. Additionally, it serves a vital role in transporting millions of South Africans every day.
While taxis are an integral part of the country’s transport system, it could benefit from additional regulation. According to a study by AASA, over 70,000 accidents are caused by or involve minibus taxis every year. That’s double the number of all other passenger vehicles.
However, bringing taxis into a regulated system means improved monitoring and tracking. In fact, such a system would allow for vehicles to be monitored for safety, tracked in case of theft, and scheduled for regular repairs.
R512-PWV3 Pampoennek
October Transport Month 2020 kicked off on a high note with the launch of R512-PWV3 Pampoennek in September. It set high expectations for October Transport Month. The stretch of road cost R377 million to build, and it connects the west of Hartbeespoort to the N4 to Rustenburg.
In addition to improved travel, the road was also upgraded from two lanes to five. Many of South Africa’s roads support higher amounts of traffic than they’re designed to do. The result is extremely dangerous travel through high-risk areas.
By making expansions such as the one to Pampoennek, travellers can finally feel safer while travelling.
Madidi Bridge
Another successful launch during #TransportMonth is Madidi Bridge. The bridge connects the Phasha and Madidi villages by crossing the Toloane River. The project resulted in much-needed jobs and training for locals. However, it also created opportunities for youth, women, and 25 local subcontractors.
The hope is that the completed project will allow the community to grow. With better infrastructure, jobs and economic opportunities, things are looking up for Madidi.
Moloto Road Upgrades
Over the years, many local communities and road users have pleaded for upgrades to Moloto Road. Notorious for numerous fatal accidents, the stretch used to be called “The Road of Death” before major upgrades started in 2016.
However, it’s only this month that Minister Mbalula announced that the road is being transferred to SANRAL. In fact, R4.5 billion has been allocated for its improvement over the next five years.
Over 320 NGOs, SMMES and other enterprises have already begun training to participate in this project. It’s expected to create 12,500 jobs, boosting the local economy as well as providing it with safer travel.
N2 Upgrade Against Fatal Accidents
The N2 between Mtunzini Toll Plaza and Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal has also long been a hotspot for fatal accidents. This year alone saw more than three dozen deaths on the 33km stretch of road.
Unsurprisingly, Mbalula has made it clear that the road will be upgraded into a dual carriage highway. Traffic should be able to flow easier once the changes have been made, decreasing the number of deaths on the road as a result.
The project is estimated to cost around R76 million and will create 510 full-time jobs for South Africans.
The October Transport Month Message: Growth and Safety
Clearly, this October Transport Month is about more than just growing our infrastructure. It’s about growing communities, helping local economies and improving the safety of South Africans on the roads.
EKS Vehicle Tracking: Stepping Up to the Challenge
EKS Vehicle Tracking is honoured to play our part in keeping travellers safe. Our solutions can play a vital role in keeping you safe on the roads.
We’re extremely proud of our live monitoring solutions. Our monitoring software can track everything, from vehicle location and route deviation to odd behaviour. We can even notify you if a vehicle encounters a bump. In short, you’ll receive notifications if any vehicles are at risk or behave strangely.
Additionally, we include vehicle camera services. Now, you can monitor your vehicle remotely, or protect yourself with dashcam recordings. Our cameras can even record accidents, allowing you to keep useful data in case of legal action.
Our solutions for family and vehicle safety don’t end there. EKS technology includes the ability to immobilise any vehicle. Accidents aren’t the only risks on our roads; theft and kidnapping are just as big a threat.
EKS is honoured to play a role in the protection of drivers and their loved ones. Together, we believe that the government and private sector can create better and safer roads for everyone.
