17 Nov 2014

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo has called on all sectors to re-examine themselves and reflect on achievement and challenges pertaining to the realisation of Vision 2016 pillars.

Speaking at the Transport Pitso on November 14, Mr Mabeo said the latest house-hold opinion survey by the Vision 2016 council had revealed that despite the 93 per cent awareness of the vision, the active participation remained as low as 18 per cent.

He said with his ministry’s role of ensuring realisation of a safe and secure nation as well as prosperity for all by 2016, platforms such as the Transport Pitso should be used as an opportunity for both government and the industry leaders to join hands and translate opportunities into key strategies for building a robust transport industry.

He said, “a robust transport industry which do not only provide economic benefit to the operators but joy and pride to the users.  I therefore call upon all of us to re-examine roles and channel our resources towards active realisation of the Vision 2016 pillar of a safe and secure nation.” 

He noted that when transport systems were efficient, they provided economic and social opportunities as well as benefits that result in positive multiplier effects such as better accessibility to services, markets, employment and investment opportunities.

The minister observed that in previous pitsos, industry players called for integrated approach to addressing issues pertaining to the transport system.

“The ministry has heeded the calls by drafting the integrated transport policy whose approval will revolutionise the transport sector because it advocates for an integrated approach to transport development,” he said. He said the policy also emphasises the benefits that can be derived from an integrated use of all modes of transportation.

Mr Mabeo said the expected outcomes of development are both quantitative and qualitative improvements in human capital such as income and education levels and physical capital infrastructure.

He pledged that his ministry would always strive to engage all stakeholders on continuous basis to improve communication, consultation and collaboration in order to achieve integrated policy outcomes and benefits for the public.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Gerald Estate customary court president, Mr Paul Motshwane said there was a need to review the Road Traffic Act because it has been overtaken by events.

He cited that long distance transport should have ablution facilities saying the withdrawal of the passenger train created a problem especially for the sick that need to travel.

Mr Motshwane called on the country to emulate other countries and encouraged competitiveness among long distance transporters in such a way that passenger can book their seats prior to travelling.

One of the taxi operators called on the government to consider introducing different fares depending on whether the road used is tarred, sandy or gravel. One participant decried the congestion at the Department of Transport, Road and Safety (DRTS) countrywide calling on the minister to remedy the situation.

In response, Mr Mabeo said the passenger train would be re-introduced in the near future and this would give passengers as choice of which mode of transport to use.

He noted that DRTS has availed some of its services such as vehicle licensing to other institutions such as Botswana Post as a way of reducing the congestion at the offices.

For his part, Mr Bokhutlo Modukanele of DRTS said operators are always advised to check the type of roads they want to start operating on before applying for a permit and they are encouraged to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the business they want to engage in. 

He however said his department would continue to contemplate on the issue. ENDS