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ZINARA’s proposal to introduce 30 more toll gates nationwide was met with dismay by many motorists. Coming on top of the recent hike in fuel and vehicle importation duty, some citizens feel targeted and persecuted for daring to drive.
However, the truth everyone needs to appreciate is that there is need for serious investment in road infrastructure to ensure that driving is pleasurable, not a hazard to life and property.
Many of the road surfaces were built a long time ago, on someone else’s money.
It is only proper that people using the existing infrastructure also put in their share for immediate benefit and for future generations.
Far from suggesting that Zinara operations have been perfect — as evidenced by the installation of tollgate structures that have had to come down before they could be used and the recent acquisition of totally unsuitable equipment — we want to point out that the agency has something definite to show for its efforts.
The organisation has been able to present figures to the relevant parliamentary portfolio committee, a feat unmatched by others like the City of Harare.
Anyone wanting to be objective will agree that the work done by Zinara through Group Five along the Mutare-Harare-Bulawayo highway so far is impressive.
Other areas should be encouraged by the progress made as it means that their own turn will come.
The increase in tollgates will translate into increased revenue which will bring the turn to everyone much sooner.
Yet on the other hand, most local authorities have disappointed in their approach to road works. The approach of patching up potholes is never going to provide a solution to the dilapidated urban arterial networks. Instead, there is need for bold visionaries who can take our cities into the modern era with wider roads and bypasses to cater for the ever increasing traffic volumes.
What we need is the approach that Zinara has taken, to do one thing at a time and do it well instead of always trying to spread resources all over the show and remaining in a rut all the time.
The City of Harare authorities made a great initiative with Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Express Road, but, as has become the norm with all their projects, the ugly face of corruption has scuttled the whole programme and millions have been sunk into a venture which remains incomplete.
Many new settlements around Harare have no roads to speak of and homeowners have to contend with dust tracks.
Rural areas have been allowed to degenerate to impassables, bridges damaged in the last rainy season still unrepaired even as we face the next one.
There were media reports this week quoting Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu saying Government would allocate 2000 litres per grader per month for the 80 motor graders to improve the country’s roads. With the rainy season around the corner, we hope the repairs will be durable.
In the end it is perhaps time Government considers giving Zinara responsibility for all road works in the country instead of having them parcel out grants to local authorities who do no more than patch potholes when most roads in all residential areas require an overhaul.
There should be a committee to set priorities with Zinara executing the work.
Online Reporter