ZBC
An incomplete toll gate A Parliamentary Portfolio Committee has recommended the closure of at least five tollgates which are operating before completion to ensure accountability.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development has embarked on a countrywide assessment of tollgates and Vehicle Inspection Department depots to evaluate the implementation of funded projects.
Speaking at the Umpfurudzi Toll Gate along the Bindura-Mt. Darwin highway which has been operating before its completion, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Honourable Oscar Gorerino recommended closure of such facilities to ensure accountability and transparency.
“We want the department of roads to come and answer some of these issues. Last time we had a heated argument with them at parliament that people are complaining about the kind of set up that we have. There about 4 to 5 tollgates like this countrywide and we have noted several things.
“There is not enough security. Even if it’s raining the toll gate will be open. Any harsh conditions you won’t see workers here. Secondly, you can’t account for what they collect here because there are no cameras here so a person can decide to pay or not to pay or declare or not to declare so I think these toll gates are being operated at a loss this is why we have recommended for them to be closed. At least build infrastructure first and start operating …,” he said.
The team also visited Shamva and Eskbank toll gates.
During the tour, parliamentarians are assessing issues raised in the ZINARA audit report and projects funded by the administration to the tune of 12 million United States dollars.