1 November 2009
The African National Congress (ANC) calls on Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille to take full responsibility for the City of Cape Town's financial mismanagement of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, which has led to costs of the public transport system escalating from R1.3 billion to R4.1 billion.
We are appalled and find it unacceptable Zille's flimsy excuse of shifting responsibility to the former executive director of the City of Cape Town's Department of Transport, claiming civil servants denied her information. The people of Cape Town and the country deserve a better response from Zille on the mal-administration.
As next year's FIFA World Cup is dependent on – among others – an efficient transport system in the country, we cannot allow a deliberate derailment of the BRT in Cape Town when similar projects are on course elsewhere in the country.
We applaud other cities for making great strides in preparing for the FIFA World Cup by improving efficiencies in transport.
In adopting the Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan in 2007, the ANC was clear about the strategic role of transport in changing the quality of life for all our people for the better.
The role of an affordable, efficient and expanded public transport system is central to economic growth.
Issued by:
Jackson Mthembu
National Spokesperson
African National Congress
Enquiries:
Brian Sokutu 071 671 6899