By Obakeng Maje

The Executive Council (Exco) of the North West Province is to facilitate an engagement with key stakeholders to seek resolution of the impasse between COSATU and Bakwena Toll related to the price of the toll fee charged at the Swartruggens Tollgate.

The resolve to engage COSATU, the Department of Transport, SANRAL, Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality and Bakwena Toll was taken at the forthnightly Exco meeting held on Wednesday in Mahikeng.

COSATU-North West had presented two memorandums to the MEC for Public Works, Roads & Transport, MEC Raymond Elisha alleging that the toll fee charged at the said tollgate is exorbitant, adds an additional financial burden carried by the impoverished in the area and perpetuates exclusion as no alternative routes are provided for those who cannot afford it.

 Exco is to take up the need to fast track construction of alternative routes, continous and consistent maintenance of the toll road with the identified stakeholders and also seek accountability for contribution of Bakwena’s Corporate Social Investment programme.