FOR TELL PEOPLE EMPTY PROMISES

FOR TELL PEOPLE EMPTY PROMISES

DA blames ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte is in no position to promise the implementation of the Moloto Rail Corridor, and should rather stick to her party duties instead of creating false hope.

Residents of the Thembisile Hani and Dr JS Moroka municipalities have been hearing promises about the corridor’s implementation since 2008, and it is widely known that government does not have the necessary financial resources to implement the project. Government has stated late last year that it must perform yet another study before construction can begin.

Although we wish that in fact Ms Duarte could promise the fast-tracked completion of the corridor, we know that it is not going to happen given that the feasibility study yet is done.

If Ms Duarte’s remarks are indeed true, the DA challenges President Jacob Zuma, or Mpumalanga premier DD Mabuza to officially announce the project’s implementation and its date of commencement. So too do we call on government to make public the proposed routes, feasibility studies, public participation processes, scoping reports and environmental impact assessment that are required for such a capital investment project.

Until then, Ms Duarte’s statements cannot be taken seriously.

In the interest of the commuters who daily risk their lives along the Moloto Road, the DA will put written questions to public works minister Thulas Nxesi and transport minister Dipuo Peters requesting clarification on Ms Duarte’ promises, and demand the ministers to clear the air.

DA warns Ms Duarte to focus on her appointed duties and stay out of the business of government.