Delaying the e-toll system is directly resulting in the worsening of SA's financial position.
Speaking at an e-tolling and Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project briefing this morning, deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe reiterated there is a public debt that needs to be repaid.
"The longer we take to resolve this impasse, the worse the country's financial position becomes."
Cabinet established an inter-ministerial committee led by Motlanthe to coordinate all work of the implementation of the project, respond to the legal dispute, consult stakeholders and propose short-term funding solutions for Sanral.
New Bill
The deputy president said the committee will continue consultations with various stakeholders to find an amicable solution to the impasse.
He added that, in the meantime, government is considering introducing an additional Appropriation Bill to assist Sanral to meet its obligations in the short-term.
Appealing interdict
After the decision by Cabinet to appeal the interdict against e-tolling, finance minister Pravin Gordhan this month applied on behalf of the South African government to the Constitutional Court of SA for leave to appeal against the interdict by the North Gauteng High Court.
Judge Bill Prinsloo, in April, ruled that Sanral could not collect e-tolls.
Gordhan is supported by the ministers of transport and water and environmental affairs; the Gauteng MEC of roads and transport Ismail Vadi; and Sanral, according to the Government Communication and Information System.
“At the heart of the dispute in this case lies a fundamental issue regarding separation of powers and whether or not a court can exercise discretionary judgment over a governmental policy decision on appropriate funding mechanisms, revenue sources and the allocation of nationally raised revenue,” says Gordhan in court papers.
In the treasury budget speech this month, Gordhan said more rapid progress needs to be made in improving complementary and alternative roads in the Gauteng region. “It is clearly unhelpful, if we are to make progress in these challenges, that an important source of revenue for the road system has been delayed.”
OUTA confirmed it received the affidavits from National Treasury. Chairperson Wayne Duvenage says the alliance's legal team is assessing the affidavits and preparing responses to defend the appeal.
“OUTA is disappointed by government's decision to appeal, as by doing so they have clearly indicated their desire to press on with Sanral's inefficient and unjustified e-tolling plans,” adds Duvenage.
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