The panel of 15 people chosen by Gauteng premier David Makhura to assess the socio-economic impact of e-tolls in the province is a reputable team, the provincial transport portfolio committee said on Friday.<\/p>\n
The committee’s chairman Jacob Khawe said the panel was a team of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience on transport economics.<\/p>\n
It also possessed the legal expertise to look at the socio-economic impact of the e-tolls system and its impact on the residents of Gauteng, he said.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, Makhura said government was serious about assessing the impact of e-tolls on Gauteng residents and the economy.<\/p>\n
“If we were not serious we wouldn’t announce that this matter required our attention… We wouldn’t come this far,” Makhura told reporters in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
He announced the names of 10 of the 15 members of the panel, which would meet for the first time next Thursday.<\/p>\n
The panel members are: chairman Muxe Nkondo, Patricia Hanekom, John Ngcebetsha, Vuyo Mahlathi, Luci Abrahams, Fiona Tregenna, Anna Mokgokong, John Sampson, Lauretta Teffo, and Chris Malikane.<\/p>\n
Five more members were expected to be announced later, Makhura said.<\/p>\n
The panel was tasked with inviting proposals and submissions from Gauteng residents on proposed solutions to e-tolling. It would submit its findings and recommendations to the provincial government.<\/p>\n
The panel was expected to present monthly reports, and give final reports and recommendations to the Gauteng provincial government by November 30, 2014.<\/p>\n
Khawe advised the public to take note of the time frame for submissions.<\/p>\n
“The committee would like to urge motorists and general public to make submissions to the panel and adhere to the time frame that was announced by the premier.<\/p>\n
He said the process was an opportunity for the public to make their voices heard on issues affecting them and to be involved in a process of participatory democracy.<\/p>\n
On September 25, President Jacob Zuma signed into law the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill, giving the go-ahead for e-tolling in Gauteng.<\/p>\n
The e-toll system started operating across Gauteng on December 3, following several court challenges and widespread public opposition.<\/p>\n
Khawe reiterated Makhura’s call for Gauteng motorists to continue paying their e-toll bills while government worked at finding a lasting solution.<\/p>\n
E-toll panel findings due in November<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Motorists warned to pay for e-tolls despite hiccups<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Gauteng Premier welcomes new proposals on e-tolls<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n