By Olebogeng Molatlhwa –
Even as taxpayers are faced with a R20-billion bill for tolled freeways in Gauteng, no evidence exists that fees collected through the system will ultimately build roads.
This is the contention of the ANC in Gauteng, which yesterday effectively rubbished the rationale relied on by the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and the government to convince motorists to pay the tolls.
Sanral and the government state have repeatedly implored motorists to pay outstanding e-toll fees totaling R1.5-billion as at last month arguing that this money will go towards maintaining existing roads and building new ones.
The Gauteng e-toll advisory panel, which is investigating the controversial system, has previously heard that South Africa currently needs R149-billion is needed to address the current backlog of roads, which have not been built because of financial constraints.
Read full article here
