ZINARA increases toll fees by more than 150%

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has increased toll fees by more than 150% with effect from Friday, 6 November 2020, the national road authority has revealed.

This comes after the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development approved the upward review, a Toll Roads (National Road Network) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (No. 11) to be gazetted on Friday.

The Last review was made in July were motorists saw an increase of 350%.

Motorists will now pay ZW$120 for light motor vehicles from the previous Z$45 while Minibuses fees have gone to ZW$180 from ZW$70.

Haulage trucks are now expected to pay ZW$590 from ZW$225.
Motorists who live near tollgates will pay a daily return fee of ZW$$50 or Z$3,000 per month before discounts.

Buses fees have been pegged at ZW$240 from ZW$90 while heavy vehicles with a carrying capacity of more than 3 tonnes but less than 10 tonnes are to pay Z$300 which has been reviewed from Z$115.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Amos Marahwa told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development on Monday that the old tollgate fees were no longer fit for purpose.

“The ministry of finance has now come to the table allowing us to review some of the user fees. Remember we used to charge US$2 for small cars as toll fees,” Marahwa said, adding that the increases were necessary to fund road maintenance.

Such an increase is likely to pile up on hard pressed motorists who are struggling with the deteriorating economy and high fuel prices.