Govt forced to suspend 2nd Shurugwi tollgate

The government has suspended plans to construct a second tollgate in Shurugwi following widespread opposition from residents, local leaders and stakeholders, Shurugwi South legislator Wilson Mhuri has said.

The proposed tollgate, which was earmarked for Mukandapi near Musavezi Bridge and the Makotore turnoff, sparked concern among residents who argued that it would impose an unfair financial burden on local communities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mhuri said Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona had halted the project after concerns raised by residents were presented to the ministry.

"The minister has suspended the construction of the tollgate following the concerns raised by residents," said Mhuri.

He said he joined other stakeholders in engaging the Ministry of Transport after a public outcry over the proposed development.

Among the key concerns raised was the alleged violation of regulations requiring a minimum distance of 80 kilometres between tollgates. Residents argued that the proposed Mukandapi tollgate would be located only about 60 kilometres from the nearest tollgate.

"We held a meeting with other ministers including Minister of Transport Felix Mhona after the tollgate outcry. I raised issues about violation of the 80-kilometre rule. The proposed Mukandapi tollgate would breach stipulated guidelines requiring more than 80 kilometres between tollgates," Mhuri said.

Residents also argued that there are no viable alternative routes for farmers, commuters, schoolchildren and other road users who would be forced to pay toll fees daily while travelling within their own district to access essential services.

The Gweru–Masvingo Highway already has tollgates at Flamingo near Guinea Fowl and at Mhandamabwe in Chivi. Critics of the proposal said introducing another tollgate at Mukandapi would result in three tollgates being located within a relatively short distance along the same route.

The suspension comes after a stakeholder consultation meeting convened by officials from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and Ministry of Transport engineers at the Tongogara Rural District Council boardroom on May 22, 2026.

According to participants, the majority of stakeholders, including councillors, traditional leaders and residents, opposed the proposal during the meeting.

The suspension is likely to be welcomed by communities in Shurugwi, who had argued that the tollgate would increase transport costs and place additional pressure on households already facing economic challenges.

Authorities have not yet indicated whether the project has been permanently shelved or remains under review pending further consultations.