KZN to launch 2010 transport projects in October

It is National Transport Month in October, and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government will be launching its transport projects for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup as well as activity plans for the month's events.

It is National Transport Month in October, and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government will be launching its transport projects for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup as well as activity plans for the month's events.

"The Ethekwini Municipality will in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport launch 2010 projects in the city that are linked to the transport sector," the provincial government said.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Cele will host a media briefing to officially launch transport month activity plans for KwaZulu-Natal on 2 October in Durban. The city is set to host several World Cup matches, including semi-finals.

The city's beachfront has been earmarked as a fan fest zone, such as those seen in Germany at this year's FIFA 2006 World Cup.

Earlier this year, Julie-May Ellingson, who heads Durban's strategic projects unit and the city's preparations for 2010, said negotiations around the interim People Mover bus link to uShaka Marine World, the Suncoast Casino and the city centre were at an advanced stage.

Each bus in the distinctive People Mover fleet would be fitted with closed circuit TV cameras, both inside and outside, as would the bus stops.

Also under serious consideration for 2010 was a tram system linking key tourism nodes and the Kings Park sports precinct.

Speaking in August, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said the construction of a R2.4 billion airport in La Mercy, north of Durban, would be completed and fully operational in time for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

The existing Durban International Airport is to cease operations in the first quarter of 2010.

The new Dube Tradeport and airport in La Mercy is expected to cater for 7.5 million passengers when it starts operating.

October's Transport Month campaign is a government initiative geared towards strengthening the link between awareness-raising and policy measures to reduce traffic congestion by particularly promoting the use of public transport.

Transport Month was initiated to promote sustainable transport solutions such as walking, cycling, public transport and car travel with two or more occupants, as well as to stimulate public reflection about the need to manage unsustainable car use, especially in the metropolitan cities