Panel to review impact of e-tolls

Friday, June 27, 2014

By Samona Naidu

Thokoza – Gauteng Premier David Makhura says a panel will be set up to review the impact of e-tolls.

“The people’s voice must be heard on all the issues that affect our province,” said Premier Makhura during his first State of the Province Address in Thokoza on Friday.

“We shall also set up a panel to review the impact of e-tolls and invite new proposals on how we can find a lasting solution to this matter, working with national government, municipalities and all sectors of society.

“While we shall not promise easy solutions and claim easy victories, we must make it clear that we cannot close our eyes to cries of sectors of our population who are severely affected by the cost of travelling across the province,” said the Premier.

He said good roads are needed in the province to support economic development.

“How we finance such infrastructure must be deliberated upon and agreed,” he said.

In the interim, the Premier urged motorists to continue to pay their e-toll bills while he commits to finding a lasting solution.

He added that over the next 100 to 200 days, he would undertake extensive consultations and engagements with all sectors of society to elaborate on detailed plans and targets set out in his State of the Province Address. – SAnews.gov.za