Shurugwi Second Tollgate Plan Suspended After Public Outcry

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has reportedly suspended plans for a second tollgate in Shurugwi.

Shurugwi South MP Wilson Mhuri told Masvingo Mirror in an exclusive interview that the suspension follows a public outcry from residents.

Mhuri said he and others took the community’s concerns to Mhona. One issue was the 80km minimum distance required between tollgates. The nearest existing tollgate is only 60km from the proposed Mukandapi site near Musavezi Bridge and the Makotore turn-off.

It was also pointed out that there are no alternative routes for farmers, commuters and schoolchildren, who would have to pay tolls daily to reach service centres within their own district.

“We held a meeting with other ministers, including Minister of Transport Felix Mhona, after the tollgate outcry,” Mhuri said.

“I raised issues about the violation of the 80km rule; the proposed Mukandapi tollgate would breach stipulated guidelines requiring more than 80 km between tollgates”.

The Gweru–Masvingo Road already has tollgates at Flamingo near Guinea Fowl and at Mhandamabwe in Chivi. Adding a third at Mukandapi would put three tollgates within less than 60km on the same stretch.

ZINARA officials and Ministry of Transport engineers met stakeholders in the Tongogara Rural District Council boardroom on 22 May 2026 to hear views on the proposal.

The majority, including councillors, chiefs and residents, expressed opposition to the erection of the tollgate.

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