The government’s long-awaited multibillion taxi recapitalisation programme will go on as planned, the Department of Transport said on Friday.
It said the R4-billion project was one of the key economic empowerment initiatives set up for the taxi industry.
”The taxi industry has reconfirmed its support for this programme and the government has since advanced greatly in realising the implementation thereof,” departmental spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said.
The project involves the replacement of the country’s ageing minibus taxi fleet with 100 000 new 25-seater or 18-seater vehicles.
On Thursday, a daily newspaper reported that concerns about the affordability of the project could result in its being dumped in favour of other initiatives to enhance community safety.
Parliament transport committee chairperson Jeremy Cronin reportedly said the African National Congress faced a general election next year, and was concerned about launching projects that would push up the price of transport for its constituency.
However, Mabaya said as of next Friday, six vehicle manufacturing companies bidding for the tender would provide the government with their best and final offer covering technological, financial and economic proposals.
The government would give undivided attention to the process, including the evaluation of bids, negotiation with bidders, and covering affordability issues.
Transport Minister Dullah Omar intended, immediately after the bidding process, gazetting compulsory specifications for minibus taxi vehicles to operate.
”Deadlines for such requirements may need to be adjusted and in this regard taxi associations had already suggested discussions with the government on the issues,” Mabaya said.
He said as a show of commitment by the government to the programme, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel indicated the taxi recapitalisation has been taken into consideration when his department announced a contingency fund for this financial year. — Sapa