JOHANNESBURG – Countries such as Namibia are concerned about the rise in costs when motorists in Gauteng will be expected to pay for the improved freeways. Considering the country depends on most of the goods being transported from South Africa, e-tolling poses a perceived danger some African economies.
Since Transport Minister Ms Dipuo Peters announced the implementation of tolls, motorists in Gauteng and opposition parties in have rejected the news.
According to Michael Basch, a Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni and Life Coach, “Namibia is concerned about the possible rising costs which they are likely to pay should e-tolling proceed in Gauteng.”
Speaking to the RECORD after his visit to Namibia, Basch highlighted the concerns by the people from that country. He said, “They are afraid, the ordinary man may struggle to manage the perceived rising costs they are likely to experience.”
Basch said the South African government needs to realise the impact the country has on neighbouring countries. “For example, during one of the strikes in South Africa, Namibia’s economy was ‘shut down’, the country was unable to grow its economy.”
Holiday makers in for a shock
Times Live reported earlier, “South African motorists visiting Gauteng during the coming festive season are in for a hard time.
“If they plan to use any of the e-toll highways, they had better budget for more than just petrol and accommodation.”
Visitor day passes will be sold at retailers, including Shoprite, Pick n Pay and Spar. Retail outlets are likely to become the first stop in Gauteng for travellers without internet access.
A day pass will be activated when a vehicle passes through the first gantry and it can then pass through as many gantries on a Gauteng e-road as needed in a 24-hour period.
For a category A1 vehicle (a motorbike), a day pass will cost R30, for a sedan R50, small heavy-motor vehicles R125 and trucks R250.
