Published: 13 hours ago

Zimbabwe is losing millions of dollars annually to toll fee evasion, a development lawmakers say threatens the sustainability of the nation's road infrastructure.

During a debate in the National Assembly, Gokwe Central MP Daveson Masvisvi warned that continued evasion undermines 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," Masvisvi said.
He added that toll revenue is critical for funding road rehabilitation, which in turn supports economic development and regional connectivity.

"These resources are meant for road rehabilitation and maintenance," he said.
"When they are lost, the impact is felt nationwide—from delayed projects to deteriorating road conditions that affect commuters and the economy at large."

Masvisvi cautioned that failure to address toll evasion could have severe long-term economic consequences. He called for stiff penalties for offenders and urged authorities to strengthen monitoring systems to ensure compliance.

"No one should get a free ride while others pay. Our road network is a national asset. Letting people off the hook sends the wrong message and weakens our collective efforts," he said.

Recent reports indicate that some Zanu-PF officials and affiliated individuals have been evading toll fees by misusing party emblems and VVIP stickers. However, Zinara and party leadership have confirmed that all vehicles, including government and party vehicles, are required to pay tolls.

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has stepped up efforts to curb revenue leakages, but lawmakers insist more must be done to plug loopholes, enforce accountability, and safeguard public resources.
- online

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