The Advisory Panel on Socio-economic Impact of E-tolls has started its work in earnest. The starting point of its considerations is the status quo: the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) has been rolled out, highways have been rebuilt, public transport is improving and e-tolls exist.
Detailed impact studies were conducted prior to the introduction of e-tolls and various stakeholder consultation processes are documented. The function of the panel is to analyse the impact of e-tolls, in the context of government's broader strategy for developing Gauteng economically while enhancing social cohesion, and make an assessment of impacts.
The Panel will hold consultations with key role players and interested parties from across the length and breadth of Gauteng, including government, state owned enterprises, organised labour, business, civil society formations and the public.
The Panel is currently meeting with the key implementers and government entities with a direct involvement in the implementation of the GFIP and e-tolls. Desktop research is also underway so that the panel takes into consideration all prior research and submissions in various consultation processes. Commencing on 25 August 2014, the panel will hear representations from organised formations focusing on specific issues as follows:
- Labour: 26 - 27 August 2014
- Business: 28 - 29 August 2014
- Civil society: 1 - 3 September 2014
- Information and knowledge institutions: 4 September 2014
- Transport organisations: 8 - 9 September 2014
Any organisation wishing to make a submission to the panel should make a request in writing to the Secretary of the e-tolls Advisory Panel, 30 Simmonds Street, Johannesburg, 2107. Requests can also be sent via email to: etollspanel@gauteng.gov.za.
These consultations will be open to the media.
In September 2014, the Panel is scheduled to hold public meetings in Tshwane (four meetings), Johannesburg (four meetings), Ekurhuleni (three meetings), Sedibeng (two meetings) and West Rand (two meetings).
A notice providing details of the public meetings and a call for written submissions will be published on 31 August 2014.
By early October 2014, the panel will meet with political parties represented in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
The Panel was established by Premier David Makhura on 17 July 2014 with a mandate to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic impact of the e-tolls. The Panel will present monthly reports and a final report and recommendations to the Premier by 30 November 2014.
For more information:
Thabo Masebe, Government Spokesperson
Mobile: 082 410 8087
