Government and parties opposed to the e-tolling of Gauteng’s freeways have agreed to a follow-up meeting to discuss various issues regarding the project, as part of finding an amicable solution.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), which is chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, held a consultation meeting with the Road Freight Association (RFA) and the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) on Tuesday afternoon.

“There was a meeting of minds that the GFIP is a necessity and that roads must be paid for. However, there were divergent views on the project,” the parties said in a joint statement issued following the meeting.

The Presidency described the discussions as “very constructive, frank and robust”.

They allowed all parties an opportunity to raise their concerns in relationship to the GFIP, it said.

“Both the RFA and SAVRALA listed in detail issues their organisations were concerned about with respect to e-tolling. Government also articulated its position outlining the reasons that led to e-tolling as a solution.”

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is scheduled to meet with the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) on Thursday. OUTA had applied to the North Gauteng High Court to have the implementation of the e-tolls halted. The system was supposed to go live on 30 April.

The case is now in front of the Constitutional Court.

Following the judgment, government established the Inter-Ministerial Committee to look into all matters related to the e-tolls system. It resolved to hold further consultations on the matter with stakeholders.

Last week government and Business Unity South Africa agreed on the principles underlying the project but will continue consultations on the detail of implementation.

The business body welcomed the formation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee and urged that there should be in-depth consultations with all stakeholders.

 

 

Source: allafrica.com