By Anyway Yotamu
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development has recommended the closure of at least five tollgates that are operating before completion to ensure accountability and transparency.
The Committee has embarked on a countrywide assessment of tollgates and Vehicle Inspection Department depots to evaluate the implementation of funded projects.
Speaking after touring Umpfurudzi Toll Gate along the Bindura-Mt. Darwin highway which has been operating before its completion, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Honourable Oscar Gorerino recommended the 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 are 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. In harsh conditions you won’t see workers here and 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 committee is currently on a nationwide tour of VID depots and tollgates. It has so far visited Shamva, Eskbank, Goromonzi and Rusape 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 USD12 million.
