DA concerned as e-tolls final decision is SHIFTED
The DA is worried that Gauteng motorists may be expected to continue to pay for e-tolls while government makes up its mind.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is worried that Gauteng motorists may be expected to continue to pay for e-tolls while local government searches for funding solutions.
DA DISCLOSES ANOTHER E-TOLLS PUSHBACK
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport MPL Fred Nel revealed the timelines for the ending of e-tolls have once again been shifted. This time, Premier Panyaza Lesufi is promising residents of Gauteng that e-toll gantries will be switched by the end of the year.
“This promise is nothing new, as last year Premier Lesufi boldly announced that e-tolls were a thing of the past. He repeated this promise earlier this year in his State of the Province Address (SOPA).
“However, motorists continue to be billed for this unwanted system that was imposed on them in 2013,” said Nel.
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THE PROBLEM IS NOT GAUTENG PREMIER PANYAZA LESUFI
He added that the DA has learnt that the national government is preventing the Premier from signing off on the process that will end e-tolls. “This is because of the government’s current financial difficulties, which could affect the affordability of ending them,” he explained.
WHY DELAYS ARE CONCERNING TO THE DA
Nel argued that this was worrying, as the longer it takes for a resolution to be found to end e-tolls, the higher the debt to be repaid by the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).
“Furthermore, no proposal has been put forward by the GPG on how this debt will be repaid once the gantries are switched off.
“The DA will continue to fight against any system that will be a financial burden to the residents of Gauteng,” he said.
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