Sanral blasted for ignoring toll dispute
2011-10-12 16:31
Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has voiced disappointment at Sanral's refusal to acknowledge that there is a dispute over the proposed tolling of roads on the N1 and N2.
The city said a decision by the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) to proceed with a construction schedule could result in potentially reckless expenditure, with the process now subject to legal review.
"It is unacceptable that Sanral is proceeding with a construction schedule for the second quarter of next year," the city said.
"[This was done] in the face of the city's decision to apply to the court for an interim interdict to stop this process going ahead without adequate consultation and input from the city and affected parties."
Any expenditure that Sanral undertook now, with the project being subject to legal review, could result in potentially reckless and wasteful expenditure, the city said.
Sanral named Protea Parkways Consortium (PPC) as its preferred bidder for the N1-N2 Winelands highway toll project on Tuesday, despite the legal challenge by the city over the project.
It estimated the project would cost around R10bn.
The city has applied to the Western Cape High Court to declare whether there is a dispute with Sanral over the introduction of the toll road.
Sanral intended starting construction of proposed toll roads on the N1 and N2 in February.
In a statement, the agency said construction of the 175km project would take around three years.
The project is to increase road capacity, improve safety and offer cost savings in terms of lower vehicle running costs and less time spent on the road, it said.
The city has declared a dispute with the department of transport, but Sanral has denied that a dispute exists.
The matter will be heard in the Western Cape High Court on December 6.
- SAPA
