The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) is co-sponsoring and participating in the South African Roads Federation (SARF) 7th African Regional Conference from 16 to 20 October 2022.
This year the conference takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre under the theme “Connecting Africa through Smart, Safe and Resilient Roads: Stimulating Growth and Trade on the Continent”.
DTPW officials showcased the Department’s innovative technology and key road construction projects in plenary sessions, at exhibition stands, and through demonstrations and interactions with roads industry stakeholders.
The team from Western Cape Government Motor Transport (GMT) demonstrated the fleet’s electric vehicle (EV) on the exhibition floor. The use of this fully electric car is part of a larger five-year strategic plan to introduce more environmentally friendly vehicles into the fleet. The GMT team is keen to prove that e-cars can perform just as well and, in some cases, outperform petrol- and diesel-consuming vehicles.
Yasir Ahmed, Chief Director at DTPW Government Motor Transport spoke about the Electric Vehicle Strategy at a plenary session.
“The opportunities for engineers in the built environment are immense and should be grabbed in order to maximise the benefits for South Africa and Africa”, he said.
“The Western Cape Government (WCG) hopes, by publishing our strategy and showing our commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders, that government, industry and academia will create a conducive environment in which the creation of an EV ecosystem that will benefit all our citizens will be realised.”
DTPW spoke to conference participants about several major road construction projects. Delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Baden Powell Drive and Plattekloof Refinery Interchange construction projects on the final day.
Other expo highlights include DTPW’s Integrated Transport Hub, and a Provincial Traffic Services highway patrol vehicle fitted with leading edge in-vehicle technology.
Data gathered in the Transport Hub links aspects of transport regulation, planning and operations to improve effectiveness and efficiency of transport-related services in the Western Cape. Specific data captured in the system is used for planning and reporting purposes, and for real-time “war room” law enforcement to keep our roads safe.