Motorists in Zimbabwe can expect smoother commutes as the government relocates tollgates to ease burdens and improve traffic flow. The Skyline tollgate will soon be waving goodbye to its current location at the 36km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road, venturing out of the urban sprawl. This follows the successful relocation of the Shamva tollgate last month, now operational at its new home in Juru, 20km further north on the Harare-Nyamapanda highway.
These changes are part of a larger plan to address the concerns of peri-urban residents who were doubly burdened by tolls on their daily commutes. As Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona put it, “We are going to relocate the tollgate. I have mandated Zinara together with the Department of Roads, so that we take advantage of what we have within our ministry, the CMED, so that we start working on a new tollgate at the new site.”
The relocation isn’t just about convenience; it’s about efficiency too. Existing tollgates like Norton, Esigodini, and Mushagashi are slated for upgrades to handle the increasing traffic volumes without becoming congestion points. This echoes the sentiments of Zinara board chairperson Dr. George Manyaya, who assured, “Zinara had enough money for the move.”
The progress doesn’t stop there. Recently, a 3km stretch of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway was unveiled, offering a smoother ride just after the soon-to-be-relocated Skyline tollgate. Minister Mhona, joined by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Charles Tavengwa, inspected the rehabilitated roads in Harare and Chitungwiza, urging Zimbabweans, especially women and youth, to get involved. “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” he declared, quoting President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “The nation is built by its people.”
With the Shamva tollgate settling into its new role at Juru and the Skyline on the move, Zimbabwe’s roads are set to see a welcome transformation. This is just the beginning, as the government tackles traffic woes and empowers communities to “own” their infrastructure. As Minister Mhona concluded, “We are also going to relocate the tollgate…I would also like to deliver the message to the people of Zimbabwe that we are also going to relocate the tollgate.” Buckle up, Zimbabwe, the journey ahead looks smoother than ever.
