E-tolls on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project appear set to be part of the lives of motorists for another year – unless the government finally takes a decision to scrap the controversial scheme.
Author: Roy Cokayne
Motorists and taxpayers appear set to become the cash cow to allow the government to reduce its percentage of the funding of the multibillion-rand expansion of the Gautrain.
Kusa Kokutsha, whose bid for the cancelled Sanral tender for the continued management of e-tolls was R4.5-billion cheaper than the second bidder, has lodged a high court application to review the cancellation of the tender.
Roads agency Sanral has reissued the tender it cancelled in March for the continued management of e-tolls, despite the continuing uncertainty that exists over the future of e-tolls.
Government is assessing the planned multibillion-rand expansion of the Gautrain in terms of its new infrastructure development methodology and is in the process of engaging with stakeholders about the project.
Cartrack believes it is in a good position to weather the Covid-19 storm provided it does not go on indefinitely, and is still planning a huge investment in Europe.
Construction of the planned multibillion-rand expansion of the Gautrain rapid rail network, dubbed Gautrain 2, could realistically commence at the end of 2024, according to the Gautrain Management Agency.
The designation of the toll operations of Sanral as an essential service during the coronavirus lockdown is being questioned by both the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse and the Automobile Association.
Roads agency Sanral has cancelled the tender it issued in August last year for the continued management of e-tolls and claims it has not been informed of any decision by the government on the future of the system.
BMW South Africa is to shut down its Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria for two weeks because of risks posed by Covid-19 and the resulting impact on demand for new vehicles.