×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Give monorail plan a chance

It is very unfortunate that the Transport Ministry has seen fit to distance itself outright from the proposed monorail system.

It is very unfortunate that the Transport Ministry has seen fit to distance itself outright from the proposed monorail system.

It is understandable that they are still dealing with eNaTis issues and do not want to be embroiled in another controversy, given the reported allegations of "bankruptcy" levelled at the Malaysian developers.

When the project was unveiled to the media, I thought that it was a brilliant initiative given the traffic jam motorists experience on our roads during rush hours between Johannesburg, Soweto and the southern suburbs.

Not long ago, when the Gautrain initiative was launched, there were complaints that it was only going to benefit the rich. Now that something is to be done to ensure that Soweto can also enjoy an alternative transport system, the initiative is met with scepticism and no support from the Department of Transport.

Since the project is reportedly a public-private partnership and most probably seeking no funding from the national government, I believe that the Department of Transport should have engaged the Gauteng government officials concerned and gave guidance, before declaring the initiative a nonstarter.

Bataung Matsau, Mondeor

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.