In an effort to deal with the non-payment of tolls by Gauteng road users, the Department of Transport has set aside R5.7 billion for the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral).

The funds will come from the department’s medium-term budget appropriation and will go towards Sanral’s toll road network.

The transfer is a strategic intervention by the department to deal with the non-payment by Gauteng road users of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).

Transport Minister Dr Blade Nzimande says the move will help the financially stressed toll network.

“As a result of Sanral’s toll network experiencing financial difficulties and to ensure that Sanral complies with its payment terms to investors, as well as to maintain the toll network across the country, funds were transferred from the non-toll network to the toll network,” he explains.

He says because no additional funding could be sourced from National Treasury to cover the GFIP shortfall, the department had to reprioritise its mid-term spending, while government is consulting all affected stakeholders on the permanent GFIP financing model.

“However, the Department of Transport is working hard to ensure that this matter of GFIP is resolved speedily,” the Minister adds.