Residents gathered yesterday at the Communal Hall in Orlando East to air out their views on the economic, social and environmental impacts of the e- tolling system.
A panel which was selected by Premier of Gauteng David Makhura listened as residents aired out their frustrations and disapproval of the e- tolling system.
‘Phansi nge e toll phansi’ was the general consensus of all who attended the public meeting.
Residents were given the opportunity to speak on their experiences with the e- tolling system and comment after comment was clear that residents want e- tolls to be completely done away with.
Mbuyisa Manana a City of Johannesburg employee said that as a government worker he should be at the forefront encouraging people to pay for e- tolling but said he cannot do that as he won’t pay for e- tolling.
Another resident said that he is not affected by e- tolling as he has never paid for it.
“The e- tolling system does not affect me at all as I have never paid for it and I will never pay for it, phansi nge e- toll phansi,” he said.
A social media blogger who introduced himself as Cliff suggested that the gantries on our freeways should rather be used as average speed detectors.
He added that the e- tolls are shredded in too much mystery.
Unemployed residents said that the R20 billion bill of the SA National Roads Agency Limited should not be the problem of the common man on the street.
“This R20 billion debt is not our baby,” they said.
Dr Trish Hanekom, who was one of the panel members, said that the public must continue to make written submissions until October.
After the panel has heard all views they will be expected to submit the findings and recommendations to Premier Makhura.
He will then have the final verdict on what to do based on the panel’s findings.
