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CT Opposes R10bn Toll Road
| News by Staff ReporterPlans for a R10-billion winelands toll road have the city outraged
The City of Cape Town has opposed plans to develop a R10-billion winelands toll road project, saying it would take the matter to court if not appropriately dealt withThe proposed project would encompass a 105km stretch of the N1 highway between Cape Town and Worcester as well as 70km of the N2 highway between Bot River and Cape Town.
Years ago the winelands route was assessed as a possible toll road; the project received a green light with regard to its environmental assessment in 2003 and was gazetted as a toll road in 2008.
But the City of Cape Town intends on disputing any plans the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) has for a toll road on the winelands route. The City said it believed Sanral’s processes, including the environmental impact assessment and its published intent to toll, were “flawed”.
Brett Herron, Cape Town Mayoral Committee member, said he had sent a letter to Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele stating the City’s intention to dispute the project under the Intergovernmental Relations Act.
He said Sanral had not addressed the city’s concerns, including the socio-economic affects that tolling would have, during the public participation process.
One of the concerns was that many motorists would simply avoid the toll roads and instead use alternative routes belonging to the city, which in turn would have a huge impact on maintenance required.
“Sanral refused to discuss the City’s concerns....” said Mr Herron. “Our letter to the minister is our last attempt at resolving this dispute before legal action.”
According to Logan Maistry, spokesman for the Department of Transport, Mr Ndebele had not yet received Mr Herron’s letter.
“But I am sure that once it has been received there will be further engagement and consultation on this matter, including by the newly announced government commission on infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Herron said the letter had been sent two weeks ago.
Source: www.bizpremises.co.za
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