The Star writes that on Monday Gauteng MEC for transport Jacob Mamabolo released the results of a recent study conducted by consultancy Hatch to ascertain what the benefits the Gautrain project had brought about.
The study found that 3,800 direct jobs were created for women during the construction phase and 3,000 during operations. Another 20,300 direct jobs were created during construction for youth and 5,800 during operations. Some 29,900 direct jobs had also been provided for historically disadvantaged people during construction and 10,100 during operations. The MEC was taken on a train ride and a visit to the Gautrain operations centre, as well as to a number of stations. He said he was “blown away” by what he found in terms of security, safety of passengers, the knowledge of drivers and staff, the politeness and helpfulness of staff, good governance and efficiency. “I cannot believe what I saw. Metrorail should be benchmarking itself with the Gautrain. It’s of international quality and it demonstrates how government, in partnership with the private sector, can run efficient and well-managed services,” Mamabolo remarked. He indicated that, having seen the project personally, he would motivate for more funding to build future phases of the project, which are already in the pipeline.
- Read the full original of the report by Anna Cox in the above regard at The Star
- Read too, Gautrain adds R6.4bn to the Gauteng economy a year, says new study, at Engineering News
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page