Tollgate revenue leakages are threatening the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure development programmes, with millions of dollars lost annually due to motorists evading toll fees, a legislator has warned.
Speaking during a debate in the National Assembly, Gokwe Central Member of Parliament Hon. Daveson Masvisvi said the continued evasion of toll fees was severely undermining Government efforts to maintain and upgrade national roads.
“The continued loss of toll revenue undermines our ability to maintain and upgrade our national road network,” he said.
He noted that toll revenue plays a critical role in funding road rehabilitation, which is central to the country’s economic development and regional connectivity.
“These resources are meant for road rehabilitation and maintenance. When they are lost, the impact is felt nationwide from delayed projects to deteriorating road conditions that affect both commuters and the economy at large,” he said.
Hon. Masvisvi further raised concerns over the long-term economic consequences of unchecked toll evasion, warning that failure to act decisively would cost the nation more in the future.
“If we fail to act now, the long-term cost to the economy will be even greater,” he said.
He called for the introduction of stiffer penalties for offenders and urged responsible authorities to enhance monitoring mechanisms to improve compliance.
“There is need for stronger monitoring systems and more decisive enforcement to ensure that every motorist contributes fairly. No one should get a free ride while others pay,” he said.
Hon. Masvisvi stressed that the national infrastructure cannot be sustained if revenue meant for its upkeep continues to be lost through evasion and inefficiencies.
“Our road network is a national asset. We must all contribute to its maintenance. Letting people off the hook sends the wrong message and weakens our collective efforts,” he said.
His remarks come as Government continues to prioritise road rehabilitation under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), with toll revenues being a key component in funding these projects.
ZINARA has in recent months intensified efforts to curb leakages, but legislators believe more must be done to plug loopholes and ensure accountability across the system.
Lawmakers have called on law enforcement agencies and ZINARA to work together to enforce compliance, boost transparency, and safeguard public resources.
