Toll road tariffs too high? How much does it really cost?

MiY4Gi

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Dec 4, 2010
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So I've been thinking. After having a look at the tariffs for the new toll system I can't help but think that we're being totally ripped off.

Just how much does it cost to build or repair a road? How much does it cost to maintain it?

If the transportation system is being revamped, then shouldn't the money that is needed be raised over a long time like 10 years or so, and shouldn't a loan be made to begin the roadworks?

I read up a bit and I found an article published in 2010 that R21bn was allocated for road works over the next 3 years. There's also the money from taxes and fuel levies. Just how much MORE money do they need to fix the roads? Also, more importantly, we all know about the corruption in government and how tenders are awarded based on bribes and other forms of corruption. Shouldn't the costs involved be a little transparent so that the public can know who were awarded the tenders for fixing the roads, what they're really paying for?

If anyone works for a construction or roadworks company, please post an estimate of the costs involved with laying new roads or repairing an old road. Something along the line of R10 000 per 10m would be helpful.

There are too many bad effects that these tolls will have on the economy so it's only fair that we pay only for what is needed. If it turns out we're being ripped off, then I think the press would be very interested in writing an article about it.

So again, please answer these questions:

1. How is tar made, who makes it, and how much does it cost to make?

2. How long does it take to make a road, and how many personnel are needed?

3. How much do companies charge to make/repair roads?

4. How long are the freeways that need fixing?

5. How much would it cost to fix the freeways and upgrade them?

6. Are we being charged more than it necessary?
 
We are being ripped off and its a well known fact. The other night on 702 and Cape Chat they interviewed the CEO of Sanral and the Editor of some newspaper. Things got quite heated and it was hilarious how the editor chap kept ripping into the CEO.

The press and country are well aware of this situation but the questions is "can anyone do anything about it?"

Its like when they built the BRT in Joburg. The taxis were up in arms and they striked and so forth but the project still went ahead. The government has invested too much into this and there is no way they will step down now.

I guess all we can hope is that they reduce the tariff.
 
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