E-tolling is the only effective funding model to improve Gauteng\u2019s road infrastructure, Consulting Engineers SA (Cesa) said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe only pragmatic way of retaining funding for the Gauteng freeway was through\u2026 the e-toll system,\u201d contractual affairs manager Wallace Mayne said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo Cesa, it might be inefficient but it\u2019s the only way\u2026 No one has explained it to the people. There really is no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cesa, a business representative body for over 500 consulting engineer firms was making a presentation to the advisory panel on e-tolls and its socio-economic impact in Midrand.<\/p>\n
E-tollling was the only realistic option to fund Gauteng\u2019s road infrastructure since the national fiscus was severely stretched.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fiscus is severely stretched. It cannot fund this and will not,\u201d Mayne said.<\/p>\n
Transport was \u201cway down\u201d on government\u2019s priority list, with education and health being higher up, as examples.<\/p>\n
The panel will focus on the implications and perceptions of financing the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and e-tolls.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the Gauteng provincial government announced the panel would embark on a month-long consultation process, starting on Wednesday, with organisations and individuals.<\/p>\n
Organisations were invited to make submissions on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the GFIP and e-tolls, and how e-tolling\u2019s costs and benefits were distributed across society and the economy.<\/p>\n
The panel was expected to report to premier David Makhura at the end of November.<\/p>\n
Call to refund e-toll users<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Union suggests e-toll funding alternatives<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n E-toll panel opens for public consultation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n E-tolls review panel outlines consultation process<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n