ACDP Declaration on Budget Vote 32: Transport

Friday, June 21, 2002

Steve Swart, MP - ACDP

In Parliament yesterday African Christian Democratic Party MP Mr Steve Swart gave the following speech registering the ACDP’s vote against the Transport budget:


Madame Speaker, there are many motorists who use their private cars on a daily basis to go to work, even though it is more costly to do so. One needs only consider the traffic jams on the N1 and N2, here in Cape Town, as we make our way to work. Many say they do not have a choice, as public transport is both unsafe and unreliable.

There is no form of criminal activity that does not take place on our public transport, particularly on the trains. The ACDP has on a number of occasions called for the re-introduction of the railway police, to ensure the safety of our people who rely on this mode of transport.

The condition of our roads is fast deteriorating, and the pothole signs on our national roads are increasing. I have personal experience of this on the N12 national road particularly in the Warrenton area, as I have attempted to navigate this ill-maintained national road.

There are huge challenges facing this department, which is clearly underfunded.

The African Christian Democratic Party will not support this budget vote until our public transport system is safe, reliable and efficient.

I thank you.


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For further comment please call Steve Swart MP at 083 285 6290 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 478 1037