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DA States “No End in Sight for E-Tolls in Gauteng”
No end in sight for e-tolls in Gauteng as the Democratic Alliance (DA) raises concerns over the lack of a clear plan by the Gauteng Provincial Government to end the controversial system. According to The South African, Fred Nel MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, has revealed that the e-Toll contract has been renewed until the middle of June, with a possibility of further extensions, despite Premier Panyaza Lesufi assuring residents that e-Tolls are a thing of the past.
Lesufi’s announcement on 31 December 2022 regarding deactivating the e-tolls billing system has hit a roadblock. The need to finalise critical components of the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Government and the Provincial Government has delayed the resolution of this matter into the new year of 2023.
The DA highlights the consequences of contract extensions. According to Nel, extending the e-Toll contract means increasing the current debt owed for the e-Toll gantries and continued billing for a system that residents consider unwanted. The lack of communication from the Gauteng Provincial Government regarding their portion of the debt raises concerns about financial accountability.
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Nel adds that the Gauteng Provincial Government has yet to finalise a financial model to replace e-Tolls, leaving the province committed to debt without a clear plan for servicing it. This situation will divert funds from other departments and negatively impact service delivery in the province.
In response to these developments, the DA plans to table questions to MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale, to ascertain the steps taken since the announcement of e-Tolls’ scrapping. The DA emphasises their determination to oppose any proposal for an additional tax burden on residents, continuing their fight for a fair and sustainable solution.
The future of e-tolls in Gauteng remains uncertain as the DA challenges the government’s handling of this contentious issue and advocates for a resolution that aligns with the interests of the province’s residents.
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