Transport plans on track for World Cup

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:45

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele says that transport plans are well on track for a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup.
 
Following a meeting with all nine transport MECs to report back on their state of readiness of transport infrastructure for the tournament, Ndebele dismissed reports that some of the airports, especially in smaller cities, would not be ready to welcome the thousands of fans who will be moving in and around the country in just a few months.

"Over the past few years and months, we have invested massive efforts to guarantee an exceptional transport service during the world cup and we are on track," Ndebele said. "We are currently visiting provinces and host cities regarding their transport plans and we are happy from what is emerging there."

Western Cape Transport MEC Robin Carlisle said renovations at Cape Town International Airport were expected to be complete in about two to three weeks and will be ready to meet the demands posed by the event.

It was agreed that a comprehensive communication strategy between the provinces needed to be finalised soon, Ndebele said. He added that the success of the World Cup depended on co-operation between provinces and law enforcement agencies countrywide.

Transport command and call centres will be in operation in every city during the world cup to serve as central hub of co-ordination for transport operations, information management and risk assessment.

The next two weeks will see the signing of service level agreements between FIFA and host cities.

National government has invested R2.8 billion on public transport, roads and rail infrastructure for this financial year.

Source: Buanews