Opinion / Columnist
Toll-gate fees to transform road networks
09 Jul 2014 at 08:35hrs | Views
The recent 100% increase in toll-fees by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has spurred controversy among key stakeholders in the transport sector. Nonetheless, it is prudent that we spare a moment of thought to focus on the benefits that will accrue following these new changes.
If the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) rakes in more cash, this will generate sufficient funds to improve the national road networks, which are the potential drivers of the economy. Movement of capital goods, services providers, tourists and every other economic activity are all dependent on good road networks.
Zimbabwe, being a landlocked country, is a critical economic partner in the SADC region as it controls the transit routes that are accessed through Beitbridge, Chirundu, Mutare, Plumtree, Kariba, and Nyamapanda among others, which service most nation states in the region.
It is everyone's hope that the hike in toll-gate fees will satisfy this economic requirement, which has been long over-due. However, there is gross lack of trust by some other critical partners on how the funds will be managed to cater for the actual intended purposes. Quite frankly, trepidation with respect to accountability of the toll boot is justified if the prevalence of the scourge of fraud and embezzlement of public funds is anything to go by.
This is a challenge that ZINARA will be expected to diligently and decisively deal with as proof to the public on the transparent and optimal utilization of the money. This ideally calls for good corporate governance to be at play to secure this strategic national utility. Especially, regular consultations with all cardinal partners, transparency, accountability, responsible participation by all stakeholders and utmost observation of the rule of law to protect the fund from ravenous kleptomaniacs who are always itching to dip fingers on public funds. All loop-holes should be plugged to boost public confidence in support of this justifiable cause which is necessary to prop-up the country's economic revival strategies.
To achieve this, the road administrator, just as the powers that be at ZINARA should, is supposed to avail figures on how much is realized from toll fees at regular intervals, such as quarterly, to allay any doubting Thomases. Furthermore, the road administrator could consider making public the annual targets on what they intend to accomplish as a matter of routine in order to attract unwavering public support.
In the same vein, public passenger transport operators need to desist from taking the toll fee increases as an excuse to hike fares as if every kilometer has been levied with a 100% increment. Otherwise commuters will hold their breath in anticipation of the reintroduction of ZUPCO buses, as envisaged by the Ministry in its strategic development programme. We need a sense of responsibility here. If all our roads are perfect, surely even the life-span of all motor-vehicles using our roads would last longer. As citizens, we are under natural obligations to unite in building our own nation.
Source - Suitable Kajau
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