Obert Mpofu constructing 30 more tollgates

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, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

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

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu yesterday said although the decision would attract inevitable anger from motorists, the ministry had no choice, but to come up with practical measures to improve the country's road network. Mpofu was addressing delegates attending a road authorities planning and training workshop in Bulawayo.

Mpofu said the country was facing serious economic challenges whose impact could be lessened by a good road network.

He said a sound road infrastructure can only be achieved through additional tollgates.