CAPE TIMES

Bronwen Lankers-Byrne, of the Civil Rights Action Group (Crag), started a hunger strike at the construction site on Chapmans Peak and said she would stop only when construction on the toll plaza and office block was halted. Photo: Michael Walker

A meeting between a civil rights group, stakeholders and the transport department over the construction of an office block on Chapman's Peak took place on Thursday, said department officials.

“Crag (Civil Rights Action Group) presented a concept to the province that envisages a system in which no cash is used at the tolling point,” said Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle in a statement.

The department, through transport department head Hector Eliott, thanked Crag in a letter addressed to the group for the proposals they presented at the meeting.

Crag proposed the removal of cash transactions from the toll control points on Chapman's Peak Drive, to alternative sites in Hout Bay, Noordhoek and other places in the Cape Peninsula.

Construction of the R54 million development had been halted over concern for the safety of two women who had chained themselves to the building site.

The protesters believe a less expensive and more environmentally friendly toll booth should be built.

“I am glad that we agreed that Chapman’s Peak Drive should be kept open for the enjoyment of all, and that we have consensus that to keep it open requires a toll road,” said Eliott.

Another meeting took place between the department and stakeholders after Crag's presentation. The meeting focused on the merits and logistics of a 'pay-on-foot' solution, as opposed to a cash system.

Eliott said: “Since Crag has presented only a concept and not a solution per se, we discussed variants of a 'pay-on-foot' solution that would remove transactions from the toll control points on Chapman’s Peak Drive.”

He said more time was needed to consider the different options and scenarios raised at the second meeting, including bringing in an independent expert to assist.

While discussions were taking place, there was still the need for toll points and the canopy structure to be constructed.

As such, construction would continue, said Eliott.

If Crag's proposal was rejected, reasons for this would have to be stated in writing within 24 hours. - Sapa