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Yoliswa Dube Chronicle Reporter
MOTORISTS have blasted Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Obert Mpofu for his ministry’s decision to construct more tollgates on the country’s highways saying they were already paying too much at existing tollgates.

The government is constructing 30 more tollgates on the country’s highways this year as it seeks to widen its revenue base and improve the country’s road network.

Ten of the tollgates are expected to be operational by the end of April, adding to the 24 already existing nationwide where light vehicles attract a $2 charge.

Motorists have been engaging government over the 24 existing tollgates which they feel are too many.

“What are we paying for? They should first fix roads and then we can pay toll fees. Why should we continue paying for roads when we’re seeing no improvements,” charged Victor Mtshiyelwa.

Mtshiyelwa said he would not have problems paying toll fees if there were visible improvements on the country’s roads.

“Mpofu must fix the roads first. Where’s the money we’ve been paying going to? The problem is no one is stopping him (Minister Mpofu). This is really unfair,” he said adding “You can’t even use the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road anymore due to its poor state.”

Motorists said there was a need to question the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development over its new developments.

“I feel we should be consulted before some of these decisions are made. They (Transport Ministry) need to be questioned as to what people are paying for.

“The amount I’ve to part with over such a short journey is just too much. The money we’ve been paying over the years should be accounted for first before we talk of more tollgates,” said another motorist, Collin Mvundla.

Another motorist, Jane Sibanda said the tollgates were no longer about improving the roads. “People are jobless and struggling to make ends meet but government keeps squeezing them.The prices of fuel are high, tollgates are being increased and new levies are being introduced so how do people survive?” asked Sibanda.

She said there were many sources of government revenue but the money was being misused.

“The parastatals should make their own money and sustain themselves. These roads were never serviced since I was born and now he (Minister Mpofu) acts as if it happened overnight.

Minister Mpofu said although the decision would inevitably attract anger from motorists, the ministry had no choice but to come up with practical measures meant to improve the country’s road network.

He said his ministry would work with local authorities to make sure that the tollgates generate money to develop a sound road network in the country urging road authorities to develop strategies for mobilising resources from alternative sources for road construction and maintenance.