Pretoria - Phase 1 of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan (GFIP) is close to completion but Phase 2 will not begin until all consultative processes have been exhausted, says the Department of Transport.
"The GFIP Phase 1 is almost complete and we would like to hear alternative views from the public on the best possible model of financing the debt incurred," the department said.
It also clarified that a recent statement by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele referred to the halting of any future planned tolling of roads, including Phase 2 of the GFIP, Cape Winelands and Wildcoast.
There was a clear distinction and separation between Phase 1 of the GFIP, which is almost completed, and Phase 2, on which work had not yet started, the department pointed out.
As a result of Ndebele's instruction, Phase 2 would not commence until all consultative processes had been exhausted.
"Cabinet has already made pronouncements on GFIP Phase 1... wherein it released revised fees, which included major reductions, discounts for regular users and total exemptions for public transport vehicles (buses and mini-bus taxis) with regard to GFIP Phase 1. Cabinet also appointed a Ministerial Task Team comprising the Ministers of Transport and Finance to handle the matter," the department said.
Ndebele will also ask the South African National Roads Agency Limited's incoming board of directors to prioritise the resolution of the financing model regarding the cost of GFIP Phase 1.
"This will be complementing other processes on the matter currently underway, i.e. the Ministerial Task Team appointed by Cabinet and the planned public consultative processes... These processes will seek to come up with viable funding options for the improvement of road infrastructure in the future and the servicing of the current debt with regard to GFIP Phase 1," the department said.
The department called on all concerned parties to take advantage of the planned consultative processes and to share their views with government on how it could improve road infrastructure without hurting consumers' pockets.
"The minister believes that while we require good road infrastructure to support the country's growth and development initiatives, this shouldn't leave a heavy financial burden on the shoulders of the consumer. Hence we would like to subject any future tolling projects to ... consultative processes with the public," it added.
