Gautrain: successful implentation of socio economic development objectives

Abstract

Paper presented at the 31st Annual Southern African Transport Conference 9-12 July 2012 "Getting Southern Africa to Work", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

The objective of the South African Government is to use major infrastructure projects as vehicles to enhance economic development, growth and job creation and to address past inequalities and imbalances most notably in socio-economic development (SED). The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is breaking new ground to ensure that specific SED objectives are met. Gautrain introduced a fourth cornerstone; over and above the normal technical, financial and legal perspectives, and adopted an innovative process to secure the commitment of the Concessionaire to SED objectives. From the performance to date it is evident that the Concessionaire embraced the SED philosophy, that all project activities are undertaken with due consideration of the SED objectives, and that Gautrain has made a significant contribution to SED and sustainable transportation in Gauteng and in South Africa.