Over the next few years, says Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismael Vadi, there will be several pivotal game-changing projects, including the Aerotropolis around OR Tambo International Airport, the further extension of the Gautrain rail system, development of a new freight and logistics hub known as the Tambo-Springs Inland Port, continued roll-out of the bus rapid transit systems (BRT) in Johannesburg (Rea Vaya), Tshwane (A re Yeng) and Ekurhuleni (Harambi) and the recapitalisation of Metrorail.
“Cumulatively, these game-changing projects will create over 500 000 jobs during the construction and post-construction phases,” says Vadi. “It will stimulate economic growth —particularly in Ekurhuleni, and open the way for the transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation of our economy.
“Although these projects have a medium-term trajectory there is an urgency to lay the footprints on the ground as quickly as possible so as to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reduce inequality in society,” he explains. “While we are busy delivering on the month-to-month programmes of the department, we have started putting the building blocks in place for the development of these mega-projects upon which the future expansion of the Gauteng economy will rest.”
According to the 2013 UN Conference on Trade and Develop–ment Report, the average share of intra-African exports of merchandise was 11% compared to 50% in developing Asia, 21% in Latin America and the Caribbean and 70% in Europe.
Vadi says the development of the Aerotropolis, including the further development of Lanseria and Wonderboom airports and the Tambo-Springs Freight and Logistics Hub, can radically change and boost intra-African trade and should be seen as projects of strategic importance.
He also said that the 29 business projects linked to the Aerotropolis as well as the acquisition of 48 new coaches for Gautrain will be showcased at the Gauteng Infrastructure Investment Conference to be hosted by Premier David Makhura on July 16 and 17 2015.