Construction on Cape Town toll halted

A "breakthrough" meeting between a civil rights group and the transport department was expected after construction of an office block on Chapman's Peak was halted, the Cape Times reported on Thursday.

The Civil Rights Action Group (Crag), the department, construction company Murray and Roberts and toll operator Entilini would likely meet on Thursday to discuss Crag's alternative tolling proposal.

Crag's Terry Wyner was quoted as saying: "[Transport MEC Robin] Carlisle said if we can show him other options without any legal or financial implications then he would listen to our proposal."

If its proposal was rejected, reasons for this would have to be stated in writing within 24 hours. Crag wanted a tolling boom, requiring minimal assistance, to be erected instead.

Construction of the R54 million development had been halted over concern for the safety of two women who had chained themselves to the building site.