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Cosatu vows to continue toll fight

Johannesburg - Cosatu North West has vowed to continue its fight against the price increase at the Swartruggens toll plaza.

"Cosatu [the Congress of SA Trade Unions] was surprised by the increase to R75, which was pronounced by the new minister of transport in August," provincial secretary Solly Phetoe said in a statement on Thursday.

He said it welcomed the statement by the provincial legislature requesting the price to be reduced, but was still not happy with the new amount.

Phetoe said it would not agree with the R58 until its members were consulted and the provincial government, led by premier Thandi Modise, confirmed and agreed that the toll gate was expensive for the poor.

He accused the provincial government of undermining both the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and Transport Minister Dipuo Peters.

Phetoe said what was happening in the province indicated that there was no synergy between the spheres of government.

"As one sphere can disagree with the other, and we ask ourselves with whom did the minister consult before she decided on the increase, as we are now aware that the provincial government was not consulted."

He said Cosatu would go back to the toll gate at noon on Friday to register its dissatisfaction with the department's handling of the matter.

The North West government was also concerned about the toll fee, spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said in a statement.

"The executive council, in its meeting held on Wednesday, resolved that its dissatisfaction regarding non-implementation of the agreement should be pursued with the minister of transport."

He said the province had facilitated talks between Sanral, Cosatu, the transport department and Bakwena Tolls.

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