Plans to construct a tollgate between the city centre and the Harare International Airport are underway to raise more funds for road rehabilitation and construction.The Zimbabwe National Road Administration collects about $3 million monthly from tollgates, a figure that it argues is not enough for road infrastructure construction and rehabilitation.
Officially opening the Aviation Ground Services’ new cargo warehouse at Harare International Airport on Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu said infrastructure was one of the key areas of focus under the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio Economic Transformation blueprint.
“My ministry is working tirelessly to put together sound infrastructure in the form of roads and airports and has immediate plans for the expansion of Harare International Airport to become a regional hub,” he said.
“That is also the reason why we want to put a toll plaza between Harare town and Harare International Airport. If Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) is doing it, why can’t we do it?”
The ministry is also working on a programme to introduce more toll points on our highways, which are not being tolled and most of these roads are primary roads like Chivhu-Nyazura, Rusape-Nyanga and Bindura-Mt Darwin.
Government embarked on a massive road infrastructure development programme by courting foreign investors to work on the projects under a build operate and transfer basis.
Dr Mpofu urged private organisations to complement Government efforts.
He said he was grateful to AGS for the structural development at Harare International Airport.
“Infrastructure is a key enabler of trade and economic integration as it enables commercial activities,” said Dr Mpofu.
“In that view, it is my greatest appreciation to see this kind of development that AGS has done, that complements Government efforts in turning around our aviation industry and I also believe that it’s not only going to end here, but will spread to other airports.”-herald