President Jacob Zuma has asked for citizens' understanding when it comes to e-tolling.
Speaking this morning in Port Elizabeth, the president said: “We know that our people are affected by serious poverty and unemployment, and the e-tolls are an additional financial and administrative burden. But we plead for your understanding, because - at the end of the day - we have to develop and strengthen the road infrastructure of Gauteng.”
Zuma said government wants to see the whole country turning into a huge construction site due to infrastructure investment. “We want to see dams being built in rural areas to extend water access. We want to see the refurbishment of schools and hospitals, the building of roads and dams, the improvement of ports and railway lines and various projects that will improve the lives of our people and boost economic development and jobs. We want to change the landscape of the country completely. And every part of the country will be touched.
Necessary system
“The rationale behind the freeways improvement project is that Gauteng, which generates nearly 38% of the total value of SA's economic activities, has developed beyond its infrastructural capabilities. Roads in general are unable to keep up with increasing traffic demands. This has affected road users and the economy by the daunting peak-hour traffic periods each morning and evening. The Gauteng economy cannot afford any impediment to the traffic flow, since such an impediment will stifle economic growth that leads to job creation.”
As a result, the president said, the e-toll system will assist government to obtain revenue that will be utilised to improve the road infrastructure, service debt already incurred for the upgraded freeway network in Gauteng and ensure a well-maintained and upgraded road network into the future.
He also dismissed claims that government is in conflict with its social partners over the implementation of e-tolls. SA is a democratic country, people have a right to raise different views and this does not mean there is a conflict, according to the president.
Labour regulation
He also touched on the contentious issue of labour broking, saying government is determined to implement all laws aimed at protecting workers from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
”We will continue engaging the social partners at Nedlac so that we can conclude this matter responsibly in the manner outlined in the ruling party's manifesto.”
The Congress of SA Trade Unions this month embarked on a nationwide protest against e-tolling and labour broking, calling for abandonment of the former and a ban on the latter.
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