Zimbabwe toll fee collections to reach over $100 million

Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development permanent secretary Munesu Munodawafa says revenue collection from tollgates will reach $102 million this year following increases on toll fees in July this year.

Addressing delegates attending the 6tg Zimbabwe mining indaba conference being held in Harare, Munodawafa said the figure is achievable because of the increase in toll fees and computerisation.

Revenue from tollgates has constantly been increasing since the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) took over the collection of the fees from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).
 
"In 2014, the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) will collect revenue in excess of $102 million and this is achievable on the back of increase in toll fees and collections now being accounted for electronically," he said.
 
Munodawafa said in 2010 revenue from tollgates reached $36 million.
 
In July, Obert Mpofu, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development increased tollgate fees.
 
Light motor-vehicles fee went up 100 percent to $2, while kombis and minibuses are now paying $3 up from $2. Buses are paying $4 up from $3 and fees for haulage trucks increased to $10 or 100 Rands.

The High Court also dismissed an application filed by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) seeking the reversal of Mpofu's unpopular hike on toll fees paid by motorists on the country's highways.

Under the new toll fees, which came into effect July 11, motorists on private vehicles now pay US$2, up from US$1. Minibuses' toll fees were hiked from US$2 to US$3 and buses from US$3 to US$4.

Heavy vehicles are now being charged US$5, up from US$4, while haulage truck drivers are now leaving US$10 at the toll gates up from US$5.