Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has categorically denied allegations that additional tollgates were being established along the country’s premium roads.

The claims, which surfaced on various online platforms, suggested that the Government had set up new toll collection points, some reportedly within a 10-kilometre radius.

Zinara, the authority that oversees the country’s road infrastructure, issued a statement yesterday refuting these speculations.

The organisation emphasised that there was no truth to the rumours and clarified that the Government had not authorised the establishment of any new tollgates.

“While acknowledging the concerns raised by the public regarding the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 5 of 2024, Zinara would like to emphasise that no new tollgates have been established. Our operations remain in strict accordance with the 2009 legislation governing the establishment of tollgates in the country,” the statement read.

In an effort to quell misinformation, Zinara urged the public to rely on official communications from the organisation and other Government channels. The statement emphasised that relying on accurate information is crucial in maintaining public trust and preventing unnecessary panic among citizens.

Zinara further clarified that the queries arising from Statutory Instrument 5 of 2024, which may have fuelled the speculation, were unrelated to the establishment of new tollgates. Instead, the instrument is designed to address specific regulatory matters concerning the existing tollgate framework.

“The Government, through Zinara, remains committed to transparency and accountability in all its operations. We want to assure the public that no new tollgates have been introduced, and any claims suggesting otherwise are baseless,” the statement reiterated.

Zinara assured the public that the establishment of new tollgates was not part of the Government’s current agenda.

The organisation urged citizens to verify information through official channels to avoid the spread of misinformation.

Recently, ZINARA was accused of under-allocating the Harare City Council after the latter was allocated a staggering US$2 million for the rehabilitation of roads.