Consulting with the public about e-tolls a little too late
'The system is run by a mafia.'
The public feels to consult with them about the e-toll system only now is a little too late.
This was the overall sentiment of motorists and other road users at a public meeting held at the IEC hall at the Randfontein Local Municipality last week.
The meeting was chaired by an advisory panel, which was deployed by Gauteng Premier David Makhura to look into the socio-economic impacts of the controversial e-toll system.
Most rejected the e-toll system, saying it is a little too late to consult with the public considering e-tolls already have been rolled out.
Even those who are registered regret having done so, stating that the administration of the system has brought nothing but nightmares.
“We are not disputing the fact that we unknowingly have incurred R20 billion debt that needs to be paid back,” local resident Justice Makulula said.
“Some of us are prepared to engage in this system and help pay for this. However, this must not be a lifetime thing.”
Makulula said his biggest worry is that the system will continue to run long after the debt has been settled. He says this will be used as a cash cow for the government.
Meanwhile Cope Public Representative councillor Solly May also had a mouthful to say. According to him the system is run by a mafia dressed in suits.
“It is clear this system is run by a mafia and it has no economic benefit for residents of the West Rand or anyone else, only for those in power,” said May.
The DA’s Nozipho Didiza-Ndlela said motorists should have been consulted prior to the implementation of the system.
“The damage is done. They cannot implement a system and then come to us now and ask how we feel about it. This should have been done long ago,” said Didiza-Ndlela.
