The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has suspended the payment of toll fees at uThongathi Toll Plaza and Umvoti Toll Plaza on the N2 toll route in KwaZulu-Natal.
“This suspension will go a long way in assisting communities affected by the closure of alternative roads, which have been damaged by the floods,” Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, said.
The intervention follows representations from affected communities and a formal request by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government to suspend toll fees on major transport routes, including the N2 economic corridor and to lessen the financial strain on citizens.
KwaZulu-Natal was declared a national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa when the province experienced severe flooding which damaged roads and bridges recently.
This meant that motorists would have to pay toll fees they would not ordinarily have to pay if the alternative roads were operational.
Minister Mbalula said the department has been doing all it could to help those affected by floods.
“The damage to the roads in KwaZulu-Natal is extensive resulting in the closure of many roads to allow for clearing and rebuilding.
Amongst the interventions, I made a request to the Board of the South African National Roads Agency to consider intervention that include suspension of toll fees in seriously affected areas,” he explained.
Minister Mbalula said the repair of the alternative roads, will be prioritised to make it possible for the affected communities to use them again as soon as possible. – SAnews.gov.za
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