Govt attributes delays in completion of construction of toll gates to lack of funding

Government has attributed the delay in completing the construction of toll stations to funding challenges.

Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister, Ronald Chitotela says this has subsequently delayed the commencement of tolling in line with government’s plan.

Speaking when he announced the commencement of Road Tolling on completed toll gates, Mr. Chitotela is optimistic that despite these challenges, government will move steadily towards achieving the target of 40 tolling points countrywide by the end of 2018.

He says the National Road Fund Agency will soon commence the construction of Inland Road tolling at various toll gates across the country following the completion of the construction of the toll stations at these sites.

The new Inland toll stations where tolling is expected to commence include, Kyabankanka toll station on the Solwezi-Chavuma road at Mutanda junction, Michael Chilufya Sata toll station on the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway, Chilonga toll station on the Serenje-Mpika road.

Others are Mweeke toll station on the Kaoma-Mongu road, Tapo toll station on the Mongu-Kalabo road and Lui toll station on the Sesheke-Senanga road.

Mr. Chitotela has however assured the public that government has put in place systems and controls to ensure total accountability for all the revenues collected through toll fees.