TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development minister, Felix Mhona, has announced plans for a rollout of all-electronic tolling (AET) systems across the country to curb revenue leakages.
Mhona made the announcement during the commissioning of the newly expanded Norton toll plaza last week.
While the immediate project aims to ease congestion on the busy Harare–Bulawayo highway, Mhona said the main challenge was for the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and his Ministry to spearhead a technological leap forward through e-tolling systems.
“The future of tolling is electronic, efficient and transparent,” Mhona said,
He outlined an envisaged system relying on high-speed cameras, 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and RFID technology to enable seamless toll collection without vehicles having to stop.
“The government is committed to transparency and the adoption of modern electronic systems will aid in curbing revenue leakages, restore public confidence and ensure that all toll revenues are directly channelled towards road maintenance and infrastructure development,” Mhona added.
He indicated that such a system would significantly reduce congestion while improving accountability.
Mhona said the push for all-electronic tolling signalled the government’s intention to modernise this revenue stream, aiming for greater efficiency and public trust in the use of toll funds for infrastructure development
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The commissioning of the expanded Norton toll plaza, a key economic corridor link, was presented as a step in the broader modernization agenda.
Mhona said the physical expansion was designed to reduce bottlenecks and facilitate smoother transit.
Mhona also revealed a new post-crash management programme that will see ambulances and medical personnel stationed at strategic tollgates like Norton to ensure rapid emergency response within the critical “golden hour” after accidents.
He also noted that toll plazas naturally become hubs for economic activity, attracting supporting businesses and services that contribute to local growth and employment.
Toll revenues remain a major source of funding for the country’s road rehabilitation and expansion projects.
