News / National
Govt wont backtrack on urban-tollgates - Min Mpofu
04 Aug 2015 at 08:28hrs | Views
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu has said government will not backtrack on its planned urban tolling project despite protests by motorists.
Speaking at the 2015 National Driver of the Year competition awards ceremony in Bulawayo on Sunday, Mpofu said the urban tolling project had received overwhelming support from some provinces in the country and the government would "soon" start installing them.
"Those travelling on major roads want tollgates.
"Only those in urban areas are resisting the move, but we won't be deterred. We will soon start installing tollgates in urban areas and if you don't like then don't come to town. The money to be collected is not for my own use, but for the country's infrastructural development. Those who want to detract us from this, please, note that we won't be deterred by your actions."
Mpofu said the government wanted to upgrade the country's road infrastructure to match the Sadc standards.
The government has already proposed that motorists will pay at least 15 cents in urban toll fees when the exercise is implemented, compared to $2 that private light vehicles are paying on the highways.
Speaking at the 2015 National Driver of the Year competition awards ceremony in Bulawayo on Sunday, Mpofu said the urban tolling project had received overwhelming support from some provinces in the country and the government would "soon" start installing them.
"Those travelling on major roads want tollgates.
"Only those in urban areas are resisting the move, but we won't be deterred. We will soon start installing tollgates in urban areas and if you don't like then don't come to town. The money to be collected is not for my own use, but for the country's infrastructural development. Those who want to detract us from this, please, note that we won't be deterred by your actions."
Mpofu said the government wanted to upgrade the country's road infrastructure to match the Sadc standards.
The government has already proposed that motorists will pay at least 15 cents in urban toll fees when the exercise is implemented, compared to $2 that private light vehicles are paying on the highways.
Source - NewsDay
