Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Government is accelerating the modernisation of road infrastructure through a dual push to expand physical tollgate capacity and introduce electronic tolling.
Two major lane-widening projects have since been completed, with a nationwide e-tolling rollout underway.
Works have been completed on the Inkomo and Lion’s Den tollgate lane-widening projects in Mashonaland West province.
The project was undertaken through collaboration between the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and local contractors and is designed to improve traffic flow, while enhancing tolling experience for motorists.
Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), one of the contractors, handed over the completed Inkomo project to ZINARA on Wednesday, with the Lion’s Den handover scheduled for Thursday.
These upgrades form part of a broader initiative that will see dedicated express lanes installed at all 29 tollgates nationwide, allowing motorists registered under the new electronic tolling platform to pass through without stopping for manual payments.
The new system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to reduce congestion, shorten waiting times and improve toll-collection efficiency.
Motorists will use RFID-enabled electronic tags, known as e-Tags, affixed to their windscreens.
As a vehicle approaches the tollgate, the system automatically scans and verifies the tag, opening the boom gate without requiring the driver to stop for cash payment or manual processing.
Construction is already under way at Umguza Tollgate along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway in Matabeleland North, where single-lane approaches are being expanded to three lanes in each direction.
One lane on either side will be reserved exclusively for electronic toll payments, while the remaining lanes will continue to handle conventional payment methods.
According to ZINARA, the Department of Roads under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is overseeing quality assurance.
“The dedicated express lanes are designed for motorists using electronic and prepaid toll payment platforms,” ZINARA said in a statement.
“They separate electronic and contactless transactions from cash and other conventional payment methods, allowing faster processing of vehicles.”
Under the current system, all motorists queue together regardless of payment method, resulting in longer transaction times – particularly for cash payments.
ZINARA said the express lanes will significantly improve traffic flow during peak periods such as public holidays and heavy travel seasons.
The project forms part of Government’s broader strategy to modernise tolling infrastructure and embrace technology – driven service delivery across the transport sector.
“Government has adopted a long-term strategy to progressively modernise tolling infrastructure across the country, with the rollout of express lanes forming a key component of that strategy,” ZINARA said.
“Future implementation will prioritise tollgates that experience comparatively high traffic volumes, particularly those located along major national highways.”
The e-tolling programme is expected to strengthen revenue assurance, improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience.
ZINARA noted that faster movement of people and goods supports economic productivity, tourism, regional trade and logistics efficiency.
