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Busa calls for toll tariff meeting

Johannesburg - Business Unity SA (Busa) wants an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele to discuss the implications on business of the new toll road tariffs in Gauteng.

The organisation said on Sunday that there had to be "proper consultation" on the tolls to avoid worsening unemployment or quality of life of poorer South Africans.

"Busa accepts the need for effective road infrastructure funding and supports the principle of a toll road system, but there needs to be proper consultation to ensure that it does not exacerbate unemployment, or worsen the quality of life of poorer South Africans," it said.

Since Gauteng generated a third of the country's gross domestic product, it was "an issue of great national importance".

"It will raise the costs of doing business in South Africa even further beyond what could be considered competitive for a developing economy wanting to compete globally," Busa said.

"Those who can least afford it will be hit the hardest."

Studies have shown that as the SA National Roads Agency Limited's (Sanral's) current tariffs structure proposal stood, freight transport costs could increase by more than 20%.

"This will exert significant inflationary pressure through consequential increases in the costs of basic foodstuffs. Commuter transport will also become more expensive, with workers already said to be spending up to 60% of their salaries on transport," Busa said.

It has been trying to "get a clear picture of the new tariff structure and its implications for business" since May 2010, but Sanral had been unable to "disclose the necessary information".

"In coming to its present tariffs structure proposal, Sanral has not allowed for significant consultation with business stakeholders or the broader public," Busa said.

It has sent a letter to Ndebele requesting an urgent bilateral meeting.
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