Scanners to be introduced to reduce fraud at tollgate sites

In an effort to minimise fraud at tollgate sites the government is going to introduce a tollgate management system that will see vehicles fitted with electronic discs that will be read by a scanner.

The scanners will monitor the number of cars that go through tollgates.

The State was potentially prejudiced of US$1,7 million last year in a scam that led to the arrest of two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority employees who had allegedly stolen tollgate ticket books and were pocketing cash paid by motorists.

Secretary for Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development, Mr Partson Mbiriri, confirmed the development.

He said the State would fine companies contracted to develop tollgate infrastructure US$400 daily for every day after the deadline that they did not complete work.

Tollgates have poor infrastructure with little protection from the elements of weather for those stationed there.

On the new system, Mr Mbiriri said: "The equipment is now in the country and designs for installation have been done, but we need to electrify the sites."

He said the Government was weighing the implications of cancelling contracts with some of the companies contracted to erect tollgate infrastructure.

Construction of tollgates started in 2009 and two years down the line, work is not yet complete.

"We are already in the penalty stage and we are charging them US$400 daily," Mr Mbiriri said.

He singled out Moreway as one contractor that had failed to meet the deadline.

"Moreway is proving to be difficult. We just have to look at where they are and their proposals.

"The alternative is to terminate the contract but we have to look at the implications."

He said cancellation of contracts would mean restarting the tender process.

"Going back to tender will take several months and we will have to consider if that would be in the public interest," Mr Mbiriri said.

Moreway's deadline expired on December 31 last year, but it was extended following negotiations with the Government.

A total of 25 tollgates are under construction throughout the country.

In January, Transport Minister Nicholas Goche expressed displeasure at the manner contractors were carrying out the projects.

"The workmanship of the structures is very poor. Rains are pouring into the shelters," he was quoted as saying.

He said the Government was losing a lot of revenue when it rained since officials abandoned the tollgates, leaving vehicles to pass through without paying fees.