The parliamentary debate on the e-tolls bill has been delayed until further notice following an amendment proposed by African National Congress (ANC) members which would give parliament the power to approve toll pricing.
HumanIPO reported earlier this month the parliamentary committee on public services meeting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) may result in the adoption of the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill.
However, the proposed bill was recently set for further consideration by a select committee on public services.
ANC sources, who preferred to remain anonymous, told the Mail & Guardian (M&G) various meetings took place between the ANC and Ben Martins, minister of transport, including those who form the Department of Transport’s (DoT) legal advisors, as well as NCOP ANC whips.
“The minister sent legal advisors to the ANC caucus, saying that the amendment [that gives parliament more say in determining toll prices] has far-reaching implications,” the M&G quoted one of the sources as saying.
According to the same source, Martins and his advisors want to delete the amended section from the bill.
“The concern is that we [the NCOP] might deal with the issue of pricing and this will also lead to delays in implementing e-tolling,” another source told the M&G.
Tiyani Rikhotso, spokesperson for the DoT, denied allegations suggesting the DoT’s legal advisors met with ANC members of the committee. He added Martins respected parliamentary processes and would continue to abide by the result of the NCOP’s deliberations. However, he could not give comment on the continuing discussions held by the NCOP.
Raseriti Tau, a member of the committee involved with processing the bill, explained the bill itself does not cover the payment of the tolls, which are set in the regulations that the minister drafts following the passing of the bill.
Furthermore Tau denied this process will further delay the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (SANRAL) implementation, now planned for next month.
“The intention is not to delay or derail but to affirm parliament’s role in writing legislation,” concluded Tau.
