RFA: Rail network remains stumbling block for transport
The Road Freight Association says the reliability of the country's rail service remains a massive stumbling block to moving the transportation of goods from road to rail.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has announced plans to this effect within the next five years.
The possible move was prompted by the deadly truck crash in Pongola in northern KZN over a week ago.
The crash claimed the lives of 20 people, including 18 children.
Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly says the minister will need to draft a workable solution.
READ: Pongola crash: Truck driver abandons bid for bail
"Rail has to become efficient, reliable, secure and accessible and that really raises who is going to repair or fix the rail system.
"Is it going to be the taxpayer? Or is it going to be the road freight industry that will now be taxed and have extra levies to pay and incentivise freight moving from road to rail?
"This is a very important concept that needs to be discussed very carefully before we destroy what is left of this supply of the logistics and of the transport chains that we have in this country."
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