Saturday, August 15, 2009

IRT Plan Not Forced By FIFA, Say Officials

Transportation officials are deflecting allegations that FIFA forced the country to push forward with the integrated rapid transit (IRT) system in time for the World Cup. Though mistakes have been made, the plans are moving forward, according to officials.

Addressing MPs during a portfolio committee meeting in Parliament yesterday, [
Transport director-general Mpumi] Mpofu admitted that the government had failed to "properly consult" with taxi operators before going ahead with plans for the multimillion-rand IRT project.

She said the "the real" consultation process would now begin.

Negotiations had already started between the taxi industry and the government through the National Joint Working Group, she said. The working group was launched by Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele last month to resolve issues related to the implementation of the IRT.

Fifa has no role in new IRT system
Cape Argus
August 6, 2009