Pretoria: The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project Steering Committee appointed by Transport Minister S'busiso Ndebele, yesterday (6 May 2011) met in Pretoria to put final touches to the much awaited toll tariff and stakeholder engagement report.
The Steering Committee was appointed by the Minister to review the Gauteng freeway toll tariff structure and to explore various options in order to reduce the impact of the e-tolling cost on road users.
A report, which will be submitted to the Minister and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane once the finalisation process has been concluded, was expected to be ready by the end of April 2011.
However, since comments and proposal were invited from organised formations and civil society the response has been overwhelming, with the deadline for submission of the report having to be shifted. And with the majority of South Africans taking the much-needed Easter holiday break, the Steering Committee also had to reschedule its follow-up engagement and consultation with the stakeholders.
The consolidated report will be finalised by the Steering Committee on Friday, 13 May 2011 and a follow-up meeting with the stakeholders arranged soon thereafter.
"We are quite pleased with the overwhelming response received from all the stakeholders who made their inputs into the process and would like to thank each and every one of them for their much valued contribution. This is, indeed, democracy in action.
As the Steering Committee consolidates and prepares to finalise its report, it is our hope that this process has enabled us to engage fruitfully on this important initiative in the verall improvement of our transport infrastructure and system", said Minister Ndebele.
The Steering Committee has received inputs from, has consulted and engaged with such organisations as the Afriforum, the Democratic Alliance, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the South African Communist Party, the South African Roads Federation, Business Unity South Africa, Road Freight Association, Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing, Automobile Association, National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, Retail Motor Industry, South African Tourism Association, Tourism Business Council of South Africa and The Accredited Chamber.
Inputs received and engaged with thus far indicate a general understanding and appreciation of the "user-pay principle" linked to the tolling of roads as a world-wide phenomenon. A general contention that has also been raised strongly is about the rates of the proposed tariff.
Enquiries:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521
Source: SAPA
