Sanral acting board chairperson Dudu Nyamane says that e-tolls – which makes up such a small percentage of its work – has been the cause of much misinformation, propaganda and belligerence, to such an extent that at times it threatened agency’s mandate.<\/p>\n
“To also bring sanity to the question of Sanral and tolling: our portfolio is made up as follows: 85% non-toll, 14% toll and 1% e-toll,” Nyamane said.<\/p>\n
The chair called on Gauteng’s road users to pay for e-tolls despite an ongoing review on the system, set up by Gauteng Premier David Makhura.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not be misled by the detractors. By registering and paying, you are making it possible for Sanral to continue to fulfill its mandate by building and maintaining world-class quality roads.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThe user-pays principle is a fair system that has made it possible to improve the vital roads of Gauteng \u2013 the economic dynamo of South Africa,”\u00a0Nyamane said.<\/p>\n
The acting chair said that it is “unfortunate” that a single percentage of Sanral\u2019s work has been the cause of ” misinformation, propaganda and belligerence” – to such an extent that at times it threatened the agency’s mandate.<\/p>\n
Sanral said it sent an 8-page communique to Makhura prior to the commencement of the 15-member panel\u2019s hearings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took a pro-active step and communicated our position on this matter. We also requested an audience with the Premier to understand his position and exchange views on how, together we can address the challenges of funding road infrastructure without it being at the expense of social infrastructure.”<\/p>\n
“Perceptions that we were not prepared to enter into dialogue are therefore unfortunate,\u201d said Nyamane.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not take instructions from any political party, as was recently reported in the media, but from the Shareholder and the relevant legislation governing Sanral. We are an implementing agency of government.”<\/p>\n
Sanral also clarified that the agency gets an allocation from National Treasury to look after the non-toll national roads (85% of its network) and also raises money from capital markets to fund its toll operations which constitute 15% of the agency\u2019s road portfolio.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, the argument directed at Sanral that it should fund the GFIP through a fuel levy is misdirected. Sanral does not collect the fuel levy. Besides, Treasury has explained why it does not ring-fence the fuel levy and why, from an equity point of view, a decision was taken to fund the GFIP through tolling,\u201d Nyamane said.<\/p>\n
On Thursday (4 September 2014) Sanral said that it would not be making representations to the panel, adding that all documents regarding the whole process around the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project are publicly available.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe roads agency is of the opinion that its participation in the review process would be inappropriate as the matter had been decided in relevant structures \u2013 the Cabinet approved the matter in 2007,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The e-toll panel 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
Earlier this month, transport minister Dipuo Peters reportedly said that the advisory panel on e-tolls does not have power over national government.<\/p>\n
Peters\u00a0 said that the national government would not change its position on the controversial e-tolling system, despite the findings of the advisory panel, expected in November.<\/p>\n
Sanral breaks silence on e-toll hearing<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n E-toll benefits being ignored: Sanral<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n