Billions to upgrade road network

TRANSPORT Minister Fikile Mbalula said the South African National Roads Agency has been allocated R76.4 billion and R45.3bn was budgeted to upgrade, strengthen and refurbish the national non-toll roads network.

DA MP Chris Hunsinger said this year’s budget was no different to any from previous years’, resembling a copy-and-paste edition.

EFF MP Noluthando Nolutshungu said the department should build its internal capacity in order to prevent wastage on use of consultants.

She said the use of millions of rand in the past financial year was an unnecessary waste of public funds.

ANC MP Mosebenzi Zwane said it was critical that the department fill vacant posts and build its internal capacity.

“It’s critical that the department monitors implementation of programmes by entities. This budget should bring relief to our poor state of roads, especially the provincial and local roads, as witnessed by the committee on its oversight visits in Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZuluNatal recently,” Zwane said.

The ACDP’s Kenneth Meshoe said his party had serious concerns with spending on consultants which had increased by 73.3%.

“A budget of R3.5m was spent on consultants last year and this year a budget of R13.1m has been allocated. We believe that this is wasting money that should make sure our roads are right for safe travelling,” Meshoe said. |