IFP VOICES OBJECTIONS TO N2 TOLL

April 24, 2006

The proposed construction of a toll plaza on the N2 highway at Isipingo would, according to the IFP, send the "wrong message to the residents, visitors to Durban and local and foreign investors".

The IFP is convinced that the new toll requirement would place an undue burden on commuters and manufacturers who rely on N2 to pass through Durban's most industrialised section.

"South Africa already has some of the highest telephone charges in the world that are demonstrably holding back business. We do not want to add our road network to the list of hurdles to economic development," said Inkosi Khayelihle Mathaba IFP MPP who holds his party's transport portfolio at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Parliament.

"On a related note, the quality of roads in KwaZulu-Natal is our province's comparative advantage in attracting local and foreign investment. Imposing tolls on old, previously free routes will surely deprive us of this comparative advantage," said Inkosi Mathaba.

The IFP has pointed out a number of instances of misinformation that surround the potential construction of a toll plaza at Isipingo. "A mere talk of a toll road has undoubtedly done a great deal of damage to the current and prospective small-scale business in the area. The locals cannot help but see the imposition of toll as a punitive measure," said Inkosi Mathaba.

Contact: Inkosi Khayelihle Mathaba,
083 5746 061