ZINARA To Replace Damaged Lothian Tollgate With Permanent Structure

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) said it has suspended the use of the Lothian tollgate in Masvingo after it was extensively damaged when a vehicle rammed into one of the pillars on August 22.

ZINARA public relations manager Tendai Mugabe told The Herald that temporary detours on both sides of the road have been created for toll fees collections while the toll gate is being repaired. Said, Mugabe:

Our insurer is working with our engineers and has done the assessment of the damage with a view to doing the necessary repairs at the shortest possible time.

In the meantime, we are going to use a detour to collect toll fees as a temporary measure.  We are also engaging our parent Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure that a standard tolling structure is constructed as a permanent solution.

Pictures of the damaged rudimentary tollgate went viral on social media earlier this week and Mugabe refuted claims that ZINARA was neglecting the tolling infrastructure. He said:

The picture that is being circulated on social media is what has remained after the accident.

I don’t know what is the mischief behind the circulation of the picture of a damaged structure without showing pictures of the initial structure or those of the accident.

It is also important to note that what we have at the Lothian tollgate is a temporary structure and we are having engagements with our Ministry to ensure that a permanent structure is built at the Lothian tolling site.

More: The Herald