Pretoria - Transport infrastructure remains crucial to the growth of the African economy.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele.said on Monday efficient transport was key to attracting investment into the country and the entire continent.
He was speaking at the South African Transport Conference in Pretoria.
"There will be no winner in the 2010 FIFA World Cup unless transport ensures that we all can have a smooth ride by air, road, rail and even by sea. We can also use transport infrastructure spending to shield our economy against the unfolding international crisis," he said.
The minister said that while South Africa had to pursue various efficient modes of transport, road infrastructure continued to be a priority for the department
Government embarked on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme in October 2007 to improve the capacity and technology of road infrastructure.
The project is targeted at the upgrading of the existing freeway and the new development after 2011. The completion of the project will result in a significant reduction of vehicle operating costs and lower transport costs.
Mr Ndebele said that to further accommodate the country's 48 million people, government intended to extend rail services to areas previously not covered and to improve the efficiency of the existing passenger railway lines.
Government has committed in excess of R18 billion to improve the passenger rail system over the next three years.
South Africa has gone a long way in arresting the decline in commuter rail services over the past few years.
The future for inter-city travel is in high-speed rail where the travel times for passengers will be significantly reduced. The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is a state-of-the-art rapid rail network currently under construction in Gauteng.
The rail connection comprises two links, namely a link between Pretoria and Johannesburg and a link between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton. Apart from the three anchor stations on these two links, seven other stations will be linked by approximately 80 kilometres of rail along the proposed route.
"We are pleased that the Gautrain project has created or sustained more than 12 600 local direct jobs and an estimated total of more than 68 000 indirect jobs. It has also contributed to Black Economic Empowerment," said the minister.
The minister said the department had also made a commitment to identify and address key challenges within the system such as the inappropriate institutional structure of the freight sector as well as the regulatory frameworks.
The country's airports must expand and accommodate growth in tourism and economic growth, he said, because of the increase in global air travel and tourism to South Africa.
"The R20 billion, infrastructure development that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has embarked will play a significant role in accommodating the influx of passengers estimated at 43 million by 2010/11, while handling 611 631 aircraft landings," he said.
He said government had entered into a number of agreements with other countries to combine resources to facilitate the development of transport infrastructure across the region and the continent as a whole.
The commitments and agreements extend into infrastructure investments that include corridor development, road and rail improvement, the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and the improvement of connectivity.
"We urge that research must continue as they are the spinal cord of our Transport Master Plan and its implementation.
"As government, we will rely on credible scientific research to play a special role in the integration and development of our transport systems.
"Our plans are that transport services and infrastructure must exceed the expected efficiency, safety, quality and cost effective requirements of the modern times and must be accessible to all visitors and residents and well after the FIFA 2010 World Cup is gone," he said.
The implementation of the Public Transport Strategy will lead to a transport system with a lasting legacy for the growth and development of our country
