Gauteng Freeway costs far exceed international costs

By Lelethu Mquqo
5 April 2011

A report released today shows that the per-kilometre cost of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project appears to be much higher than similar international projects.

The report was prepared by economist Mike Schussler, who says that the per-kilometre cost of the Gauteng Freeway could be between 106 per cent and 228 per cent higher than that of equivalent international projects.

Schussler says the SA National Roads Agency, which manages the GFIP, determined the toll fees taking construction costs into account. The Gauteng toll fees were set at 66-cents per kilometre before a public outcry led to them being put on hold.