Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Government has completed lane-widening at the Inkomo and Lion’s Den tollgates in Mashonaland West Province and commenced the nationwide rollout of an electronic tolling (e-tolling) system, designed to improve traffic flow and enhance the motorist experience.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) and local contractors, saw the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) hand over the upgraded Inkomo facility yesterday, with Lion’s Den expected to follow.
Completed in just over two months, the Inkomo upgrade expanded the plaza from four to six lanes—including two dedicated lanes for electronic tag (e-tag) users.
ZINARA said that the busy thoroughfare, which serves thousands of motorists travelling daily between Harare and northern regions, had suffered rising congestion, particularly during peak travel periods and public holidays, resulting in longer waiting times, increased fuel consumption, and significant inconvenience.
“This strategic significance demonstrates ZINARA’s commitment to investing Road Fund resources in visible, high-impact infrastructure and reflects a shift from routine maintenance to proactive investment in future-ready transport infrastructure.
ZINARA described the upgrade as a strategic investment, reflecting a shift from routine maintenance toward future-ready transport infrastructure that supports economic growth and trade. Similar capacity-enhancement projects are planned at other high-traffic plazas based on traffic studies.
Concurrently, ZINARA has begun rolling out an RFID-based e-tolling system across all 29 tollgates nationwide. Construction of dedicated express lanes is already underway at Umguza Tollgate along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway.
Under the new system, motorists will affix RFID-enabled e-Tags to their vehicle windscreens. As a vehicle approaches the tollgate, the system automatically scans and verifies the tag, allowing the boomgate to open without the need for cash payments or manual attendant interaction.
ZINARA noted that separating electronic transactions from conventional payment methods will drastically reduce transaction times, especially during heavy traffic periods such as public holidays. The authority also highlighted that the automated platform strengthens revenue assurance, minimizes cash-handling risks, and improves transparency.
Moreover, reduced vehicle idling will lower fuel consumption and emissions, while faster movement of goods and people will enhance economic productivity, tourism, and regional trade efficiency.
Motorists wishing to use the express lanes must register for the e-Tag system and maintain a prepaid toll account linked to their vehicle.
