17 March 2010

The IFP has slammed the construction of a new toll plaza near the new Durban airport during today’s Economic Development and Tourism budget briefing in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. 

“The toll plaza at La Mercy Airport is nearing completion but no one in the provincial government has bothered to formally announce its construction, let alone enlist views of the public regarding its future operation,” said IFP KwaZulu-Natal public accounts spokesperson Dr Lionel Mtshali.   

KwaZulu-Natal has witnessed a vigorous public debate on the subject of additional toll gates, but the discussion was always focused on the proposed plaza on the N2 at Isipingo. “The new toll plaza near La Mercy airport came about entirely by stealth – without otherwise much trumpeted public participation,” said Dr Mtshali. 

The IFP accepts that toll is a national competency and decisions regarding toll gates belong to the South African Roads Agency, but the apparent lack of communication with the provincial government and the public in KwaZulu-Natal is disconcerting. 

“We are naturally concerned about the added cost of passenger travel to and from the new airport. The proximity of the Tongaat plaza to the site of the new plaza is also worrying,” said Dr Mtshali.   

The first official admission by Dube Trade Port that the toll gate is being constructed emerged rather reluctantly during yesterday’s Economic Development and Tourism portfolio committee’s budget pre-hearing. 

Pressed by the IFP, Dube Trade Port confirmed during today’s budget hearing that the entity was aware of the toll gate from the inception of the airport project.  
 

Contact:
Dr Lionel Mtshali
078 302 0929