MEDIA STATEMENT
TAU - SA NORTH
PIETERSBURG REGIONAL OFFICE
DATE: 29 MAY 2007
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SANRA – ALIGN ROAD SIGNS TO JUDGEMENT
Mr Dries Joubert, Chairperson of TAU SA North, expressed his satisfaction with the letter received from the South African National Roads Agency in connection with the illegal Makhado road signs still displayed on the roads under the jurisdiction of SANRA.
LETTER TO SANRA
In a letter to SANRA dated 25 April 2007, TAU SA North informed the agency of the order made in the judgement of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, case number 25/2006. TAU SA North further enquired about the costs involved in the removal of the illegal signs boards.
LETTER DATED 7 MAY 2007
In a letter dated 7 May 2007, the contact person for the Regional Manager: SANRAL Northern Regional Office said:
The South African National Roads Agency Limited has instructed the maintenance consultant to finalize the designs and issue the necessary instructions to change the relevant road signs. The work will therefore be completed in due course.
COSTS UNKNOWN
The letter further indicated that: Costs for changing the signs are not available. Mr. Joubert said it is certain that consumers will have to foot the bill for this mistake. SANRA was informed that the Chairpersons Association is contesting the name change. Notwithstanding the notice, SANRA decided to change the road signs before the final order was made. Those officials who made that decision should now be hold accountable for the costs incurred. Law abiding citizens are sick and tired of officials who took political decisions for which consumers must pay.
ANGER AT ILLEGAL ROAD SIGNS
Mr. Joubert said although TAU SA North is against any destruction of property, especially property belonging to tax payers, the frustration of citizens is easily understood. He called upon SANRA to remove the illegal sign boards as a matter of urgency.
Mr. Joubert said road users are paying extra for roads build and maintained over many years by tax payers money. The principle of toll roads, the quality of such roads, alternative roads and the unilateral increase of toll fees are still outstanding issues on the table. SANRA will do good to change the road signs according to the judgement to proof their commitment towards the lawfulness.
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Mr F Du Toit
Chairperson: Communication