The inter-ministerial committee on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) met yesterday for the second time with several stakeholders, but still no resolution was reached.
The committee has been meeting with interested parties to discuss e-tolling since June. A technical task team engagement was held with representatives of stakeholders at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, yesterday, according to the presidency.
Technical discussions
Director-general in the presidency Cassius Lubisi led the government delegation and chaired the session. The engagement included representatives from Business Unity SA, the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, Road Freight Association, Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, and leaders of the religious sector.
The committee has previously met with all these parties since it began the engagements.
“In the interest of transparency, government shared information with stakeholders to contextualise the GFIP and provide clarity on technical issues. Technical details shared with stakeholders included, among others, some of the explanations for the operational and administrative cost of the e-toll system,” says the presidency.
It adds that the engagement provided a platform to respond to issues raised by stakeholders, as well as to begin unpacking technical issues. Presentations included immediate to short-term programmes, as well as long-term plans to developing an integrated public transport system.
“Stakeholders argued strongly for alternative funding models for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, including a fuel levy. Government is aware of the concerns of stakeholders and is committed to consider all suggestions in deciding on a way forward.”
The presidency also says all stakeholders present agreed to engage further to address specific issues.
The inter-ministerial committee today met with the Congress of South African Trade Unions to engage on the matter.
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