Johannesburg - Consultations by the Gauteng premier’s advisory panel on the socio-economic impact of e-tolling were due to begin on Wednesday with presentations from labour unions.
The panel, which met for the first time on 17 July, will now be embarking on a month-long process of consultations with organisations and individuals.
The Gauteng provincial government said the consultations were part of a research process it has launched, soliciting new views on the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and e-tolls.
“In considering the direct and indirect costs and benefits, the panel will focus on expanding knowledge as well as exploring the implications and perceptions of financing the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project from the fiscus.”
THREE MAIN QUESTIONS
The panel - which consists of chairman Muxe Nkondo, Patricia Hanekom, John Ngcebetsha, Vuyo Mahlathi, Luci Abrahams, Fiona Tregenna, John Sampson, Anna Mokgokong, Lauretta Teffo and Chris Malikane - has asked organisations to address three main questions about e-tolling:
What are the economic and social impacts of GFIP and the e-tolls?
What is the impact of the GFIP and e-tolls on the environment?
How and where are the costs and benefits of GFIP and e-tolls distributed across society and the economy?
The panel’s report will be given to Premier David Makhura at the end of November.
The hearings will be taking place at the Gautrain offices in Midrand, but are open only to the organisations taking part and the media.
Cosatu was expected to make a presentation on Wednesday, followed by business on Thursday and on Friday. Civil society, which will consist of organisations such as the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance and SA Justice Project, will take part next week, followed by information and knowledge institutions, and transport organisations. Then public meetings will take place.
The Star