Transport minister Dipuo Peters has told Eye Witness News that the advisory panel on e-tolls does not have power over national government.<\/p>\n
Peters reportedly said that the national government would not change its position on the controversial e-tolling system, despite the findings of the advisory panel, set up to assess the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), and e-tolls.<\/p>\n
The e-toll panel, set up by Gauteng premier David Makhura, has thus far heard presentations from many concerned oragnisations speaking about the wider impact of the controversial system.<\/p>\n
Most presentations have spoken out against the system, including those from JPSA, Outa, Fedusa, Busa, and Nactu.<\/p>\n
The groups have been calling for a fuel levy to be implemented as an alternative funding mechanism.<\/p>\n
The panel is expected to present its findings to Makhura at the end of November.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that the panel doesn\u2019t create the impression that we\u2019re going to do away with the system. The system will be government\u2019s policy to accelerate infrastructure development,\u201d Peters told Eye Witness News.<\/p>\n
According to the City Press, ANC leaders are split over e-tolls \u2013 notably Mantashe and his deputy, Jessie Duarte, who reportedly gave the green light for the review panel in the first place.<\/p>\n
Mantashe also denied this, calling it malicious gossip.<\/p>\n
The ANC lost footing in Gauteng in the last elections, dropping from a 63% control in 2009, to 53% in 2014. The loss, in part, was reportedly attributed to the controversial e-tolling system.<\/p>\n
Sanral e-toll panel no-show no loss: JPSA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n