Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has promised yet again that a decision on the unpopular e-tolls in the busy streets of Gauteng is imminent. Gauteng motorists will have to wait longer as the decision has yet to be announced, despite promises which were made in May 2021.
In his budget speech delivered to parliament on Wednesday, Mbalula told MPs that his department was working closely with the Enoch Godongwana, the Finance Minister, to finalise outstanding issues related to e-tolls.
In his budget, Mbalula said R2.1 billion was specifically allocated for the Gauteng freeway improving project, due to the reduced tariffs. Thousands of Gauteng residents and motorists have been boycotting e-toll payments, with many motor vehicle owners and drivers opting not to buy e-tags which allows the state to electronically collect the toll fees.
Since 2019, Gauteng premier David Makhura along with Mbalula have been promising an imminent announcement on the way forward when it comes to e-tolls, but to this day, that has not happened.
“We are alive to the adverse impact the delay in making the final decision on e-tolls has on the Sanral balance sheet and its ability to raise capital for its catalytic projects. This is a matter cabinet has on its radar and a pronouncement will be made once the final decision has been taken,” said Mbalula.
However, Mbalula made a similar promise to the National Council of Provinces in May last year. Few weeks before his budget speech in May 2021, Mbalula said an announcement on the matter would be made in two weeks and an announcement would be made before his budget speech.
“It has taken longer than we would have liked. We thought by now we would have finalised but unfortunately, it’s a big decision. We are not working alone. We go back and forth with Treasury on these issues, and that’s how it is,” Mbalula said in May 2021.
Source: Jacaranda FM, Times Live, Business Day, image from Twitter