Sanral, supported by the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, did a study on the economic impact of congestion and insufficient maintenance of the freeways. But one must also remember the work that was done by the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which indicated that there are concerns about the impact of congestion and insufficient maintenance on business.
Based on conservative assumptions, the cost of congestion on what was called the Ben Schoeman Highway amounts to R15 million per hour. That excludes matters related to fuel and maintenance of vehicles, late freight deliveries, lost business opportunities and accident costs.
I just want to indicate that the benefits accruing to the people and economy of Gauteng can best be explained by the number of business opportunities that have been created, especially the development of the SMME sector, the job opportunities that have accrued to young people, in particular - more than 1 300 of them are employed to manage the system - and the efficiencies that the cost of doing business has been able to deliver, in particular in Gauteng.
I know that members of the opposition know exactly what benefits have accrued to the people of Gauteng. One must also remember that owing to the input from the public and the Inter-Ministerial Committee, IMC, that was driven by the Deputy President, we have been able to realise a reduction in the tariff, and the exemption of taxis and buses, in particular, public transport that is used by ordinary, poor people in Gauteng.
I want to thank you, hon chairperson of the portfolio committee, for raising this particular important point, because as we speak, the people of Gauteng are giving an indication that they have been able to reduce the amount of time they spend just waiting for the movement of vehicles on the roads in Gauteng.
Intentions regarding bringing of legal charges pursuant to findings contained in Gobodo forensic report
4. Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) asked the Minister of Communications:
Whether, pursuant to the findings contained in the Gobodo forensic report, he intends to bring legal charges against the members of a certain Board (name furnished), a certain cellular phone service provider (name also furnished) and a certain communications company (name also furnished) to recover public money irregularly paid to it through unlawful decision-making processes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO210E