DA calls for e-toll referendum
The DA has called for a referendum to be conducted on the Gauteng e-toll project, saying that, by its calculations, a 10-14 cents fuel levy would cover all costs.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded that a referendum be conducted in Gauteng to offer voters a choice as to whether they want the e-toll system to pay for the Gauteng freeway upgrades – or whether they would prefer a fuel levy to pay for them.
“After 16 years of underinvestment by this government in road infrastructure, we cannot expect motorists to make up the cash shortfall caused by the funding crisis that now besets Sanral,” said DA shadow minister of transport, Ian Ollis.
The DA has calculated that a fuel levy of 10 to 14 cents per liter would cover all costs for the Gauteng freeways.
“We have long called for ring-fenced fuel levies that should only be used for road maintenance. Unfortunately the ruling party hates hearing advice from the opposition and therefore spent the fuel levies on bailing out SAA, (R11 billion) building freeways to Nkandla (hundreds of millions of rands) and jetfuel for Minister Sisulu (we lost count).”
Ian Ollis
“Now, as Minister Gordhan is finding out, the money has run out and somebody has to pay for the roads.”
According to Ollis, the South African government has “bungled” the process of developing the e-toll system, which left the public feeling ripped-off.
The DA said there are three lessons to be learned from the state’s approach to e-tolls:
- While there was some public participation during the planning of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), this was not enough to engage with the paying public.
- It is incorrect for government to assume that what is affordable in “western countries” is affordable in South Africa, as an individual who earns R6,000 a month and drives a second-hand car to work would be required to sacrifice a large chunk (R550) of their salary towards fees.
- Politicians cannot abdicate responsibilities to officials or civil servants to “get on with it”, as that reflects a lack of understanding and accountability.
Ollis pointed out that the process to make the e-toll legistlation law still had a way to go – juggling between the national coucil of provinces (NCOP) and the national assembly, before heading to the president – which leaves plenty of time for the referendum.
“I will not be purchasing any e-tag this year. The DA will today be voting “No” to the e-toll Bill if it is put to the vote, and will call for a full division on this vote,” Ollis said.
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