Update
GEORGE NEWS - The roll-out of Phase 4B of the Go George bus service in Conville, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borcherds and Lawaaikamp will go ahead as planned, in spite of National Transport Minister Blade Nzimande’s request that it be put on hold.
Siphesihle Dube, spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant told George Herald that Grant is engaging with Nzimande directly.
“In short, it will be ill-considered for the Western Cape Government or the George Municipality to halt the roll-out at this late stage.”
He said it is critical to note that the roll-out is a question of service delivery, and during the community engagement in George it has been clear that the Go George bus service must be extended in order to provide citizens and residents with better services.
Dube said a number of promises to the community and contractual commitments have already been made.
“Not least of which through various press releases and community meetings, as well as to the current lawful operators in the 4B area. All teams are working with high intensity to achieve roll-out and will continue to do so.
"Government continues to monitor these issues, and we will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders and community members in George in order to ensure we implement the bus service effectively. Critically, the National Minister does not have a legislative or constitutional mandate to engage in the implementation of particular Integrated Public Transport Networks as that mandate resides with the Contracting Authority, which after careful consideration and community engagement will continue with the planned and highly anticipated roll-out of Go George bus services on Sunday 28 April 2019.”
Read the statements by Nzimande and Grant below.
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