GEORGE NEWS - The Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Bonginkosi Madikizela, has finally met with the national Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula.
However neither of the ministries has released a statement with regard to the outcome of their meeting.
The George Herald has learnt of the meeting, which took place in Pretoria, from a post by Mbalula on his Twitter account and a Facebook post by Madikizela's spokesperson, Ntombhoxolo Makoba-Somdaka.
The latter's post on Thursday 4 July reads: "Fruitful meeting with Minister Mbalula in Pretoria today, discussing issues requiring urgent attention like Go George, Metrorail and MyCity N2 Express among others. Intergovernmental relations is key. We can't do it alone. #FixingTransport".
George Herald requested a full response with regard to this matter, but none was received at the time of going to print.
Last month Madikizela expressed his disappointment about an alleged lack of cooperation from Mabalula regarding transport issues in the province, including the Go George issue. Madikizela said he has tried to arrange a meeting with Mbalula to discuss the roll-out of Phase 4B which will service Conville, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borcherds and Lawaaikamp.
"In my 10 years as human settlements MEC, I went out of my way to have a functioning relationship with my national counterparts. This is important because our challenges require all spheres of government to work together in order to resolve them," said Madikizela.
"I reached out to Minister Mbalula as soon as he was announced as minister and indicated that I will be working closely with him. I made numerous requests to meet Minister Mbalula to deal with pressing issues like rail transport, receiving only acknowledgement of receipt responses. Minister Mbalula eventually scheduled a meeting ..., which he cancelled at the eleventh hour."
Following the meeting of the two ministers, it is unclear at this stage if the roll-out of Phase 4B, which Madikizela said would be implemented within the first week of June, will take place any time soon.
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