Story by Peter Chivhima
GOVERNMENT has started relocating tollgates from areas close to residential zones, with new facilities set to be transformed into modern toll plazas.
Motorists in Seke have welcomed government’s decision to relocate Dema tollgate and transform the new facility into a toll plaza.
“Sometimes I pass this area four to six times because I have a small business I am operating in this area so I end up paying a lot of money. So if this tollgate is relocated I am convinced that I will make a good profit,” a motorist said.
“As a community member it means that we are going to pay less because transport operators will no longer paying for toll fees,” a community member said.
The construction of the Toll Plaza is also expected to create jobs for youths.
“I am excited that the majority of those who will be employed are from this community. I want to thank His Excellency Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for his vision,” Seke legislator Honourable Manyaradzi Kashambe said.
ZINARA Board Chairperson, Dr George Manyaya and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Karikoga, who toured the new site for the Dema toll plaza this Tuesday, confirmed that several tollgates across the country will be relocated to about 40 kilometres from every town.
“Today, we are showing board members the new sites and the works that have already commenced. We are doing this countrywide and we want to assure the nation that ZINARA has enough funds for the projects. We are anticipating that the work here should be complete by August,” Dr Manyaya said.
“The purpose of the tour is to appreciate how tollgates are being managed in our country. The most important thing about the construction of this toll plaza here is that it is going to easy challenges on our motorists, especially those who stay in Dema,” Honourable Karikoga states.
The construction of the new Dema Toll Plaza is expected to be completed by August this year, while the Esbank tollgate along Harare – Mazowe Road has been targeted for immediate relocation.
