Gauteng's e-tolls consultation gets underway

The consultation process regarding e-tolling of Gauteng's freeways kicks off in Midrand today when representatives from organised labour meet with Gauteng officials. Image: Facebook

The process will solicit views on the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and e-tolls. It is aligned to research work that is already underway.

In considering the direct and indirect costs and benefits, the panel will focus on exploring the implications and perceptions of financing the GFIP from the fiscus, taking into account other demands that are made on it already.

The panel also intends to expand public discussions on the GFIP and e-tolls.

Organisations have been invited to respond to the information provided by the key implementers of the GFIP and e-tolls, and to address the following questions:

• What are the economic and social impacts of GFIP and the e-tolls?
• What is the impact of the GFIP and e-tolls on the environment?

• How and where are the costs and benefits of GFIP and e-tolls distributed across society and the economy?

The panel has reiterated that the process of consultation on the impact of GFIP and e-tolls is an objective process with no pre-determined outcome.

The Gauteng Provincial Government spokesperson, Thabo Masebe, said the report of the panel to the Premier at the end of November will be in the form of analysis and recommendations based on evidence collected.

On Thursday (28 August) and Friday (29 August), the panel will hear representations from business, while it will hear representations from civil society from between 1 and 3 September.

Consultation with information and knowledge institutions will be on 4 September, while transport organisations will make their presentations on 8 and 9 September.

During this phase, the consultations are open to organisations only and will be followed by public meetings throughout Gauteng.

Masebe said political parties represented in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature will also be consulted.

A notice providing details of the public meetings and a call for written submissions will be published on 31 August.