Chairperson, we are on the verge of hosting what we as the ACDP believe will be a very successful Soccer World Cup. While we had a relatively successful dry run with the Confederations Cup, deficiencies in the public transport system were highlighted. We trust that the single transport command and control centre will enhance integration among various departments to ensure that we have an efficient and reliable transport system for the World Cup.
However, the ACDP noticed that concerns have been expressed about the regulations for public transport for the World Cup, particularly relating to delays in issuing licences and possible tensions with existing operators. While the decision to licence courtesy services seems commendable, it may create further tensions with the taxi industry. The question is: To what degree has the hon Minister consulted with the taxi industry on these new regulations?
The promotion of infrastructure investment as an instrument of growth and employment remains an important driver, and the Gautrain and the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, systems are key components of the department's network plan. They will also be real showpieces when the world focuses on South Africa in two month's time.
This, of course, depends on the co-operation of taxi operators, some of whom have threatened to disrupt the World Cup. This clearly cannot be tolerated and we wish the Minister well in his ongoing negotiations with them.
The ACDP shares the concerns about the unacceptably high number of fatalities on our roads, and we sympathise particularly with the family of the deceased Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sefularo. The leading causes of road accidents are human error and poor road conditions. It is, however, positive and heartening to see that the number of fatalities on our roads this past Easter holiday has been reduced, and we commend the department and law enforcement officers in this regard.
I travel widely and I would encourage MPs to make use of the main roads. Wherever one travels, one sees major constructions on the roads, and there is a lot of improvement. While this may irritate a number of motorists, we are greatly encouraged to see this network system being improved. Even the notorious road between Kimberley and Johannesburg is being rebuilt and improved. Our concern lies with secondary roads. As we have learnt and the Deputy Minister has pointed out, if we do not maintain our roads properly, the costs obviously increase dramatically.
The ACDP also notes the Deputy Minister's glee regarding Acting Judge Fabricius's judgement. We participated in the whole process of that amendment Bill, and, to a certain degree, you have been vindicated, which I think is correct. However, I think it is, to a degree, unfair to place the full blame for the costs with the lawyers.
Being a lawyer myself, I may of course not be that objective, but I do believe that one can contest those figures. Clearly the issue of the attorney-client cost does seem exorbitant, and I'm sure that it will be raised in further litigation. Let's see where that process goes.
As far as the no-fault policy is concerned, we would clearly like to engage further with it. Thank you. [Laughter.] [Time expired.]