NEHAWU WORRIED ABOUT THE GAUTENG TOLLING SYSTEM.
NEHAWU is deeply worried about the government's decision to introduce a new tolling system in the province of Gauteng without any meaningful consultation process. The union will be joining our federation Cosatu in fighting this assault on poor Gauteng residents.
This comes at a time when the people of Gauteng are still struggling with the municipality billing fiasco that has inconvenienced many residents.Nehawu demands a moratorium in the introduction of the system until proper consultation of all stakeholders and provincial residents has been done.
This tolling system makes a mockery of the government's promise for the creation of decent work and poverty alleviation because businesses will transfer the costs of this tolling system to the consumers. This system needs to also consider those who use their cars to eke out a living because they will be negatively affected. The cost of this system will be transferred to the passengers and combined with the ever-increasing fuel price it will cause nothing but misery for the workers.
We understand the challenges faced by the province regarding the state of our roads and the fact that there is an urgent need to repair them and also to put measures in place to ease traffic congestion. The union nonetheless believes that all residents need proper and meaningful consultation on anything that is going to negatively affect their lives and that the inequalities that exist in our society need to be taken into considerations when these decisions are taken. Government also need to look closely at improving the rail system in order to address the problem of potholes and also in alleviating traffic congestion.
We are encouraged by Transport Minister, Sbu Ndebele promise for more engagements with the Gauteng residents in March and therefore call for citizens to participate and play a positive role in finding a solution that will benefit everyone.
Statement issued by Sizwe Pamla, NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer, February 8 2011
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