There is no “clash” between Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane over Gauteng’s new toll system, government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said on Monday.
“Government remains committed to a public transport network that is efficient and sustainable,” Manyi said in a statement.
“It is in this context that a meeting between Minister Ndebele and Premier Mokonyane will take place on Tuesday February 22 2011, focusing on the toll-gate system in Gauteng.”
In her state of the province address on Monday, Mokonyane said she would meet Ndebele over the toll system, which has drawn widespread criticism, on Tuesday.
Mokonyane acknowledged that there had been a “lack of consultation” in the implementation of the system.
“We have observed with serious concerns the announcement on the implementation of the tolling strategy, which has been made in isolation from a comprehensive, viable, public transport plan and with a lack of consultation, in particular with the Gauteng provincial government,” she said.
“We support the need for public consultation and the need for an affordable, reliable and safe public transport system, including the use of tolling as a cost recovery mechanism.”
Manyi was responding to a front page story published in the Sunday Independent headlined, “ANC heavyweights clash over toll charges”.
The report said Mokonyane had thrown her weight behind the ANC in Gauteng, which also criticised the tolling system.
Outcry
Meanwhile, the ANC in Gauteng will establish a task team to study the impact of the new tolling system on the province, it said on Monday.
“The current toll road plan as it stands at the moment will have devastating consequences for the people of Gauteng and the economy,” ANC Gauteng spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said in a statement on Monday.
This, after the provincial executive committee (PEC) met on Friday to discuss the contentious system.
The announcement of the new tolling system sparked a public outcry with consumer groups and unions claiming the poor would be the hardest hit.
“A task team will be established to look at a comprehensive public transport strategy. The task team will also conduct an impact study of the tolling system,” said Ntuli.
“Government should create an affordable, reliable and efficient public transport plan before it introduces measures that will limit vehicles on Gauteng roads,” he said. — Sapa