Transport minister Gumbo distances self from proposed urban tollgates

Transport and Infrastructure Development minister Jorum Gumbo has distanced himself from the proposed urban tollgates saying if they are to be put in place they are the responsibility of the ministry of Local Government led by Saviour Kasukuwere.

"Yes, there has been talk, there has been speculation because before you do something, you start by talking about it, throw the bone and see how people react.  There is that thought that urban tolling should be done but it is not done by my Ministry.  If there should be urban tolling it is done by the Ministry of Local Government.  The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development does not deal with what happens in Municipalities.  Whatever happens in municipalities, the potholes that you see in the towns are not our responsibility," Gumbo said.

"Our responsibilities are outside the towns.  When you go to Mutare, in between the towns it is our responsibility but when you get to Mutare it is not us.  I do not shy to say we are responsible but as far as urban tolling is concerned, it is a noble idea, other countries have tried it and it hit back but they talk about it.  We hope the Minister of Local Government, when it becomes necessary, will come and explain to both Houses that this is the way we want to go.  However, it is not my baby but that of the Minister of Local Government's."