Latest news with #R273
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
JRA allocated just 1% of amount needed to fix Johannesburg's roads
Johannesburg Roads Agency has been allocated R2.8 billion over three years despite an infrastructure backlog of R276 billion. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) will be given almost a billion rand in the next financial year to fix the city's roads. An incoming R912 million capital investment is one part of a three-year R2.8 billion commitment to provide the city with drivable transport infrastructure. However, the three-year budget represents 1.01% of the amount needed to address the city's road responsibilities, according to figures given by Transport MEC Kenny Kunene on Tuesday. R273 billion short JRA have highlighted four key objectives that will receive a combined R550 million this year, while an undisclosed amount will be spent on new roads and gravel road upgrades. A resurfacing programme featuring pothole repair, patching and more will receive a R149 million allocation for the upcoming financial year. 'This includes upgrading high-traffic corridors that link townships to major economic centres, aiming to ease congestion and enhance connectivity,' stated JRA on Monday. Stormwater expansion in four Soweto suburbs will be prioritised at a cost of R189 million, while bridge rehabilitation in Soweto, Lenasia and Roodepoort will be allocated R152 million. ALSO READ: 80% of Johannesburg bridges in 'imminent danger' of collapse, says JRA Addressing traffic signal downtime along major routes through Randburg, Sandton, Roodepoort and Soweto will come at a cost of R60 million for the financial year. Kunene welcomed the allocation but stressed the city required at least R276 billion to address its road infrastructure backlog. The MEC stated that R90 billion was needed to expand the road network, R37 billion was needed for bridge rehabilitation and a further R144 billion was needed for stormwater infrastructure. Third-highest municipal budget The Johannesburg municipality has been allocated a total R26.2 billion for capital expenditure across all its entities over the next three financial years. National Treasury contributes 41.8% of that amount and loans account for 40.2%, with only 7.5% coming from the city's revenue generation efforts. ALSO READ: Fixing JRA traffic lights to cost R70 million, over 1 300 UPS units stolen JRA's allocation is the third-highest of the municipal entities, with Johannesburg Water and City Power to be given R5.6 billion and R4.6 billion over three financial years, respectively. JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi assured residents that the allocation would be spent wisely. 'We acknowledge that the magnitude of our ageing infrastructure requires substantially more investment. Every rand allocated will be utilised efficiently and effectively to make a tangible difference,' stated Nyathi. 'We appreciate the support and will strive to maximise the impact of these funds on maintaining and developing a safe and efficient road network for all,' added Kunene. NOW READ: JRA to take over province's role in fixing traffic lights in Joburg
TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
New York asks judge to block Trump from killing congestion pricing
The city of New York and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) asked a US judge late on Monday to block President Donald Trump's administration from killing Manhattan's congestion pricing programme. Lawyers for the city's transportation department and the MTA sought an order to block transportation secretary Sean Duffy's effort to kill the programme and his threat to withhold federal government approvals for other projects and potentially billions in funding. New York State also late on Monday sought a preliminary injunction to block the federal government from blocking the programme. New York launched its first in the nation programme in January, charging most passenger vehicles a toll of $9 (R 164) during peak periods to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, in a bid to cut congestion and raise funds to improve mass transit. New York cited Trump's social media post in February that touted his effort to killing congestion pricing with the phrase: "Long live the king." The White House posted a mock photo of him on social media wearing a crown. New York City said the programme has dramatically cut congestion, with about 5.8-million fewer cars than expected in the congestion zone between January and March, or an 8% to 13% reduction. Data also shows a 12% reduction in traffic in April, while travel times to cross into Manhattan have dramatically improved, the city said. Hotel stays, retail spending and pedestrian traffic have all increased. "Stopping the programme would also mean a return to the crippling congestion that has long plagued Manhattan," the MTA and city wrote. New York governor Kathy Hochul has said funds raised from the programme would underpin $15bn (R273,948,735,000) in debt financing for critical mass transit capital improvements. Duffy in April told Hochul the transportation department may withhold environmental approvals or project funding if the state does not end congestion pricing by late May. The department under former president Joe Biden had approved the congestion programme in November, which is monitored via electronic licence plate readers. US approval is needed because it involves tolls on federal highways. The programme follows similar ones in London and Singapore. Opponents including Duffy said it takes money from working people and leaves drivers without a free highway option.
