DA requests meeting with Vadi to discuss E-tolls

JOHANNESBURG – Reports that Gauteng Transport MEC, Ismail Vadi, has called for a ‘second look into e-Tolls’ is a significant development in what the Democratic Alliance (DA) described as its fight against ‘South African National Roads Agency Ltd’s (Sanral) gangster gantries’.

Shadow Minister of Transport, Manny de Freitas said, “I will write to MEC Vadi and request a formal meeting with him to discuss the MEC’s change of heart.

“The DA will also request that the Transport Portfolio Committee, at its first meeting, place e-Tolls and Vadi’s proposed ‘second look’ thereof on the agenda.”

De Freitas said in a statement, “Vadi concession that no alternative funding model was considered and that there is general dissatisfaction with the funding model confirms calls and suspicions.”

The DA believes the matter needs to be brought before the committee as a matter of urgency.

Before the elections, it was agreed that the committee should invite parties with alternative views on e-Tolls, particularly organisations such as OUTA, to present them to the committee.

With civil society, political parties, unions and now even members of the ANC and government calling for the reconsideration of e-Tolls, De Freitas believes, “It’s time the state listens and Parliament makes this a priority.”

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