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17 Feb 2011

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has reiterated his calls for constructive proposals and solutions on the tolling system to be levied on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).

“The user-pay principle to upgrade and expand Gauteng freeways was mooted by the Gauteng provincial government in the late 1990’s. Since then, there have been numerous engagements and consultations between national government, provincial and local government in Gauteng as well as other stakeholders. Based on these engagements and consultations spanning more than a decade, the GFIP was finally approved with funding from a R20 billion interest accruing loan. Whilst the repayment of this loan cannot be reprioritised, the interests of taxpayers must not be compromised.

“Over the past weeks, we have been listening to the various views regarding the tolling of the GFIP. There will be further engagement on this matter. However, constructive proposals and solutions are required. There will be no scapegoats. The taxi industry, through the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), has shown leadership on this matter and has already come forward with proposals. We are engaging with Santaco on their proposals. We therefore invite other individuals and organisations to do the same.

“These engagements will culminate in a specific roads funding summit in March 2011 by the Department of Transport, to resolve the GFIP tolling issue as well as other pertinent issues related to the funding, construction and maintenance of roads in South Africa. We need good roads throughout the country and we have to come up with innovative ways to finance them. Let’s look for solutions and not scapegoats, said the Minister.

Enquiries:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521

Issued by: Department of Transport
17 Feb 2011

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