Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the State address promised a “smart state”, efficient service delivery and the abolition of electronic tolls. However, in order to fulfill these promises, he may not become president after the election.
A recent study conducted by Professor David Everatt of Wits School of Governance found the ANC won just 35% of the vote in the state, a “disastrous drop” from 50% in 2019. It has been found.
However, Lesufi has no such concerns. “We are moving towards a Gauteng province with a seamless and integrated public transport system; an advanced railway and high-speed rail system; smart mobility solutions, electric vehicles and connecting people to economic nodes and other It is an efficient road system that connects the state,” he said.
“Last year, we promised the people of Gauteng that electronic tolls would be a thing of the past. A final meeting was held between the Gauteng Government and the Minister of Finance and Transport on 26 January 2024. I am happy to report that we are confident that we will be able to phase out electronic tolls by March 2024.”
But while the Gauteng government (including Mr Lesufi) has long promised to abolish the much-hated electronic toll system, there has been little sign of concrete action.
In 2022, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana agreed that the central government would be responsible for 70% of Sanral Road Authority's debts arising from non-payment of electronic tolls.
The Godongwana government has allocated a R23.7 billion relief package and said the Gauteng government will pay the remaining 30%. This means that the Gauteng provincial government is responsible for maintaining roads and infrastructure.
“I've heard all this before.”
Opponents of Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) CEO Wayne Duvenage told TechCentral: I have lost count of how many times since 2019, promises to abolish electronic tolls have been made, but the deadlines have not been met.
“Of course we welcome it and we will be pleasantly surprised, but we are not holding our breath. And the excuse that we were waiting for a decision by the Treasury is not acceptable. “Why is there a delay when we get most of it from the national treasury and have covered the shortfall for the past eight years?” he asked.
Gauteng Highways Improvement Project (GFIP) gantries have been recording electronic toll invoices since 3 December 2013. Outa was formed in 2012 to oppose the electronic toll system and began legal action to overturn it, but its mission has since expanded. It is still involved in a protracted legal battle over the constitutionality of the electronic toll system project to fight government corruption.
Read: Electronic toll booths: “It's not just a question of whether to scrap a car or not to scrap it”
Duvenage said that as long as indecision and procrastination between the national and provincial governments regarding financing of GFIP bonds continues, Sanral's predicament will continue, as will the social turmoil over e-tolls. “We don’t understand why it is so difficult to make these decisions.
“Sanral says the state has to pay for road maintenance, but this is the state's responsibility. Are they going to say the same about Umhlanga and other cities in the state?
“What we need from the state government right now is consistency, clarity and closure about what's going on.”
Lesufi also said that technology is no longer “just a luxury.” It is a fundamental right that unites communities and promotes inclusivity. We previously announced that we would be providing access to reliable internet and free Wi-Fi in town. ”
Through private sector partnerships with Telkom, Herotel and Broadband Infraco, more than 50 townships are now covered by broadband, allowing residents and businesses to access high-speed internet services at reasonable rates. said.
“More than 42 township areas have been covered by broadband this financial year. We have made investments aimed at modernizing the infrastructure in preparation for the rollout of the Gauteng network, which is the backbone of connectivity. It is maintained to ensure resilience as…
“From 2024 onwards, all public institutions, schools, healthcare facilities and state offices will have reliable Wi-Fi,” he promised. “All schools will be paperless and supported by advanced artificial intelligence solutions.”
Lesufi also said the state government plans to add 10MW of power to the grid to reduce the impact of load shedding on residents.
Read: Electronic tollbooths: Nettles government refuses to grasp
“This is an initiative that City Power will carry out on our behalf using our open cycle gas turbine technology facilities at John Ware and Durban Street, which will be available from 1 April 2024. We plan to continue expanding to 300MW in the new financial year.'' This investment, combined with smart meters, will generate the megawatts needed to relieve residents of the two-stage load shedding. This is an important step towards energy security in the country's economic heartland. ” — © 2024 News Central Media