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Implement the full phase one of Rea Vaya now and deal with consequences

Kennedy Mudzuli

Someone is not telling the entire story regarding the full phase one of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit route, which will run through the northern suburbs.

Forget the pending environmental impact assessment, after all, it means nothing to the man on the street. The essence is that there are very limited options to explore in order to extend Rea Vaya to Rosebank, Sandton and Sunninghill as planned.
Rehana Moosajee, Member of the Mayoral Committee on Transportation, is on record as saying there was no discussion on land expropriation at this stage. But realistically, the only way to extend Rea Vaya along Oxford and Rivonia roads may be after expropriating kilometres of private land.
While there are sections where the Rea Vaya can be accommodated by doing away with the central island, in most areas there will be no choice but to turn Oxford and Rivonia roads into a one-way and create another road heading in the opposite direction, through the heart of residential areas. Either way, land will be expropriated or residents could find themselves with a major road on their doorstep.
And here’s to hoping it is purely by chance that the waiting period coincides with discussion surrounding the controversial Land Expropriation Bill, which was approved by cabinet early this month and awaits a parliamentary stamp.
In terms of this legislation, any level of government may take land and compensate what it deems the market value.
Moosajee and the transport authorities must take a stand and complete the process now, and deal with the consequences rather than delay the obvious.
In any case, how do they explain the confirmed 2013 operational deadline unless they are absolutely certain objectors stand no chance of winning?
kennedym@caxton.co.za

Published on February 16, 2010 at 2:36 pm