Roadlink 'a coffin on wheels'

2009-01-08 14:28

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Bheki Cele on Thursday labelled national bus operator SA Roadlink a "killing machine" and "a coffin on wheels".

He was addressing journalists at the department's headquarters in Pietermaritzburg.

He said it was his duty to help provide a transport system that was safe, affordable, efficient and effective.

"As government we shall continue to act decisively on matters that are in the interest of the public that we serve hence our legislative mandate is that of ensuring safety of our citizens in the province."

He also vowed that he would not fold his arms as commuters lives were being jeopardised.

"There has been an enormous public outcry on this matter and as government we cannot fold our arms whilst the safety of our commuters is being compromised in the interest of companies making (a) profit."

Court case

Cele confirmed that a court case pending between himself and the operator had been withdrawn.

The court case began last month when Cele suspended Roadlink's operations in the province after eleven people were killed in an accident involving one of their buses.

It was challenged by Roadlink management, who obtained a court interdict allowing it to continue operating.

The case was due to resume in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday, but Cele decided to withdraw the moratorium imposed on the bus operator, which led to the withdrawal of the case by Roadlink.

"Although I feel that the decision which I had taken (was) justified by the circumstances which existed... I have nonetheless heeded the honourable judge's view and decided to err on the side of caution and withdraw the moratorium," said Cele.

At the initial court proceeding, Judge Isaac Madondo said there was a possibility that SA Roadlink would suffer irreparable harm and that Cele had not provided any evidence before the court that there would be more accidents.

Since the horror accident, several SA Roadlink buses have been impounded for alleged defects, with the operator saying it was being targeted.

Despite the legal setback, Cele told journalists on Thursday that it was his opinion that Roadlink should not operate in the province.

- SAPA