After assuring supporters that the proposed property tax would still be introduced if the People's National Movement (PNM) returns to government, Prime Minister Patrick Manning revealed that a toll tax will have to be paid by motorists using six new highway systems to be undertaken by his government, starting as early as October this year.
Speaking before a large crowd at Diamond Vale, Diego Martin, on Tuesday night, Manning said the project would be undertaken and operated by local and foreign businesses, and only after the contractors have recouped their monies, through the toll, would the projects be handed over to the Government. The People's Partnership, led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has already stated that it would abandon the proposed property tax which has been a contentious issue since 2009.
The PNM supporters, who came from all over the country, stood still and listened as Manning announced that the toll would have to be borne by commuters. It would be the first time in this country that motorists would have to pay a toll tax to drive on the roads. This is a regular feature in the larger countries around the world. Manning, who spoke after Diego Martin West candidate, Dr Keith Rowley, said there would be an extension of the Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin, a causeway from Cocorite to Chaguaramas, passing over the sea; a road from the Uriah Butler Highway to Waller Field; from Wallerfield to Mayaro, and another from Curepe to Princes Town. Manning said this project would cost $20 billion, but would not be borne by the Treasury. He said both local and foreign businesses would finance, design, and construct the highways, and implement the toll system which would pay back for the finance of the project.
He said when the highways were paid off, they would be handed over to the Government of T&T. The PNM leader said the award for the Point Fortin extension is about to be handed out, and work on this project should start by October this year.
Manning also lashed out at the People's Partnership, asking what was their policy on energy. "They are saying that after they are elected to government, they would have a consultation on the matter," he said. "If you make the mistake, if you make the mistake, my dear friends, and you elect them to office, you are only to blame yourselves."
Manning also said: "I want to know. I want to know what is their policy on industrialisation. What position are they taking on the minimum wage? I want to know what is the view of the business community on this matter."