Sanral R20 billion in debt: Ramaphosa

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) owes about R20 billion according to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Sanral owes something like R20 billion and the money has been raised through a variety of bonds that have certain time frames.” Ramaphosa told the National Assembly while answering a follow-up question about the new e-toll road dispensation EWN reports.

He also defended the e-tolls, saying that government has to sometimes make unpopular decisions.

He also claimed, “The new dispensation dramatically reduces the costs of all motorists travelling on Gauteng’s freeways. It doesn’t penalise people who don’t have e-tags.” 

Uptick in registrations

Answering questions in Parliament’s National Assembly‚ Ramaphosa responded to a question by the Democratic Alliance about the new e-tolls dispensation saying since the new‚ lowered tariffs were introduced about a month ago there had been “thousands of calls from motorists who want to access the benefits of the new dispensation” and an “uptick” in revenue had been recorded in the past month.

Ramaphosa said the e-tolls had a “great” benefit on the Gauteng economy‚ and reduced travel times and own vehicle costs for motorists.

The new dispensation is as follows:

• No amnesty - the government is not letting up on payment. Motorists will still have to pay outstanding accounts, albeit with a discount;
• Charges for e-tolls are now 30c/km, down from 58c/km;
• No payment if you pass through the gantries less than 30 times a year;
• A reduced monthly cap applies to all categories of vehicles;
• Those who fail to pay their debt within a set time will have to pay double; and
• No car licence renewal if you have not settled your e-toll account.