Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. ZIMBABWE is losing millions of dollars annually to toll fee evasion, Parliament heard, with a legislator warning that the practice undermines the sustainability of road infrastructure.
Speaking during debate in the National Assembly, Gokwe Central Member of Parliament, Daveson Masvisvi, said the continued evasion of toll fees was severely undermining government’s 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 economic development and regional connectivity.
“These resources are meant for road rehabilitation and maintenance,” the legislator said.
“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.”
Masvisvi also raised concern over the long-term economic consequences of unchecked toll evasion, warning that failure to act decisively will 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 stiff 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 every motorist contributes fairly. No one should get a free ride while others pay,” Masvisvi said, further stressing that 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.
Government has said toll revenues are a key component in funding these projects.
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has in recent months intensified efforts to curb leakages, but legislators believe more should be done to plug loopholes and ensure accountability across the system.
Lawmakers called on law enforcement agencies and Zinara to work together to enforce compliance, boost transparency, and safeguard public resources.
Some Zanu PF officials and individuals associated with the party have been reported to be evading tollgate fee payment by misusing party emblems and VVIP stickers.
Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchunguri has also warned against this practice, stating that all vehicles, including those of the party and government, are supposed to pay toll fees.
Zinara has also confirmed that there are no toll exemptions for party vehicles.
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