The transport sector was increasingly an engine of economic growth and social development according to North West premier Edna Molewa who was speaking at the launch of the province’s Transport Month.

Molewa said that the rate at which the economy was growing, increased investment in the economy, increasing numbers of foreign visitors and surging industrial development were a warning that transport services and infrastructure should match economic growth.

The key objective of the national government-instituted Transport Month was to champion transformation of public transport and non-motorised transport service.

Molewa further highlighted provincial preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which would have a strong effect on the country’s transport sector. She said that the province was working hard on ensuring that transport services were in order by 2010, but was intent on a permanent solution to transport challenges beyond the tournament.