Lesufi says e-tolls 'to be scrapped in March'
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has set a new date for the scrapping of the unpopular e-toll system.
Speaking during his State of the Province Address in Johannesburg on Monday, Lesufi said the system would be scrapped in March.
Last year, during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the national government would scrap e-tolls and absorb the e-tolls debt by paying 70% and the Gauteng government paying 30% of the debts.
He also said the provincial government had proposed a financing model for the e-tolls project, also known as the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.
"Last year, we assured the people of Gauteng that e-tolls would be a thing of the past. I am happy to report that on the 26th of January 2024 a final meeting was held between the Gauteng provincial government and the ministers of finance and transport, respectively.
"We have been able to find common ground on issues related to user-pay principle quantum of GFIP debt, quantum of sunken CAPEX costs, CAPEX obligation of the province, yearly maintenance costs of GFIP 1, repurposing of gantries, repayment of SANRAL GFIP 1 debt and the future funding of GFIP 2 and 3.
"From where we sit as the province, we remain confident that we should be able end e-toll by March 2024."
ALSO READ:
