​By Sipho Tshabalala
Delivering the budget vote to the Legislature, MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela indicated the Department has been allocated R9.4 billion for the 2024/25 financial year, reaching R28.1 billion over the 2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
 
She indicated that of this allocation, “R2.7 billion is designated for roads infrastructure, R3 billion for transport operations, and R672 483 million for administration”. R2.2 billion was allocated to the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) to cover its operational expenses and subsidies.
 
On the impact of the Gautrain on the provincial economy, the MEC indicated that it is “one of the most impactful additions has been the introduction of the Gautrain, a rapid rail system that has revolutionized our public transport, triggering significant shifts in property patterns and stimulating new developments along its rail lines”.
 
She added that “we must work harder in ensuring the provision of quality services by doing things smarter and faster whilst inculcating a culture of building a better transport industry for the people of Gauteng”.
 
MEC Diale-Tlabela also noted that “in addition to our budget allocation, a substantial sum of R4.2 billion is earmarked from the National Department of Transport through conditional grants”. These span the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant, Public Transport Operations Grant and EPWP Integrated Grant which contribute R12.1 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
 
Adding these ”resources will be strategically directed towards various priorities, including the completion of ongoing road infrastructure projects and the introduction of new, secure, and tamper-proof number plates featuring an innovative track and trace system”.
 
She also highlighted that “over the years the total asset value of the provincial road network has experienced remarkable growth, surging from approximately R25.5 billion in 2010 to a projected R40 billion plus in current terms”.
 
“The comprehensive road network spans 4 5,638 km, comprising 4,200 km of paved roads and 1,438 km of unpaved roads, adorned with 676 bridges and 428 culverts. This impressive expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier road infrastructure, essential for driving economic growth and prosperity throughout the province”, she added.