FLIGHT OF FANTASY

(My speech in Council today)

The DA recognises the importance of Transport as a key factor in economic development. Whilst tempted to be impressed by the feasibility studies regarding the Tshwane Inter Modal Freight hub, we suggest a reality check in this regard.
The freight hub will be extremely expensive. The estimated amount mentioned in the report is R7bn to R8bn, with the emphasis on estimated – in reality the costs are usually much more. The fact of the matter is that the Tshwane Council does not have the money.
The future of the Wonderboom airport is linked to the freight hub. In fact, we must seriously consider the state of affairs at the Wonderboom airport.
The Wonderboom airport is not utilized to its full potential. It experienced many challenges and problems this year that casted a shadow of doubt on the Council’s ability to manage a facility of this magnitude. If the Wonderboom airport is anything to go by, we should be worried about the Tshwane Council’s ability to handle a bigger airport that will require even more specialist management skills.
The recent fuel shortage blunders at the Wonderboom airport clearly illustrated the fact that sound business and managerial practices are not in place to assure the smooth operation of this facility. As we speak the Wonderboom airport is not an income generating entity for the Tshwane Metro. Why not? The DA is very concerned about the new fuel supplier to the airport- which was changed due to reasons unknown to us – and we are not convinced that the new fuel supplier is geared to render a sustainable service to the airport.
The DA suggests a back to basics approach. Make basic transport systems like the busses a success. The BRT system requires urgent attention. And let us seriously consider a feasible way forward for the Wonderboom airport.
The freight hub seems like a very expensive flight of fantasy that simply will never take off. We don’t have the money and our basic transport services must be sorted out first before we entertain idealistic transportation dreams.