The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has announced that it will disburse a total of ZWG11.6 billion and two million litres of fuel to road authorities this year.
These funds will be allocated to key road authorities, including local authorities, the Department of Roads, and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA). In its 2024 public report released over the weekend, ZINARA stated:
<blockquote>
ZINARA has set aside a proposed budget of ZWG11.6 billion for financial disbursements for the year and will continue with the momentum to capacitate road authorities to draw down their annual budgets effectively.
ZINARA has also made provisions for a further two million litres of fuel to add to the financial disbursements.
Further to these disbursements, ZINARA will continue to provide technical support through periodic refresher training as well as project support by the ZINARA provincial engineers.
</blockquote>
The report reveals that road authorities exceeded their target, achieving 122% of planned works, maintaining 37,000 km of roads, surpassing the national target of 30,000 km. In comparison, 23,000 km of roads were maintained in 2023.
Key 2024 projects included the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road rehabilitation, the Nyanga-Ruwangwe resurfacing, the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road, the Golden Valley-Sanyati project, and greater Harare road works.
The report also noted that 53 out of 94 road authorities utilised over 90% of their budgets, with 15 using 100%. Mashonaland East topped with 95%, followed by Matabeleland South at 92%, and Harare at 90%. However, Bulawayo Metropolitan used only 64%, and Matabeleland North used 84%.
Over 1.9 million litres of fuel were disbursed, with 20 authorities drawing their full allocations.
Meanwhile, the Government has extended the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) due to widespread road damage, including the destruction of bridges and severe potholes, particularly in rural areas. 
Due to extensive road damage across the country, businesses are struggling with costly fleet repairs, leading to higher transportation costs, inefficiencies in goods supply, and challenges in transporting people to their usual destinations.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zwg116bn-for-road-repairs-infrastructure-faces-severe-damage-from-rains/">Chronicle</a>

Pindula News

ZINARA, a road administration in Zimbabwe, is giving ZWG11.6 billion and two million litres of fuel to fix roads this year. The money and fuel will go to different road authorities. These authorities did a good job fixing roads last year, even exceeding their goal. Some big projects for this year include fixing roads in Bulawayo, Nyanga, Shurugwi, and Harare. Some road authorities used their budgets well, while others could have used more. Many roads got damaged, so the government is extending a program to fix them. Businesses are having trouble because of the bad roads, which are causing problems with transportation.

ZINARA Allocates ZWG11.6 Billion And Two Million Litres Of Fuel For Road Repairs

Wisdom Samanyai, the head of licensing at Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), said there was nothing wrong with the proposed changes to the Broadcasting Services Act, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/nothing-amiss-in-compulsory-car-radio-licences/">The Herald</a>.
These changes would require motorists to buy car radio licences before they can purchase vehicle insurance and registration. 
He explained that the amendments aim to strengthen the enforcement of the law.
Samanyai said this in a presentation at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, and Transport and Infrastructural Development on Monday, February 3.
The meeting was held to discuss the changes to Clause 15 of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, which is currently being debated in the National Assembly.
The new rule would require motorists to buy car radio licences before they can obtain vehicle insurance and registration.
The money will be collected by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). Said Samanyai:
<blockquote>
So, we have a good number that would avoid and say they are removing the radio altogether. I don’t want to be found wanting, but there are also those who just choose to say we are evading, probably consciously or subconsciously.
They will just decide they are not going to comply with this very same Act, which then pushed us to then find a way. First and foremost, we wanted to help our agencies to enforce this legal requirement.
Hence, we had to be explicit in as far as this Bill is concerned, to say nobody is allowed to either go on to purchase their insurance or road licence before first complying with the Broadcasting Services Act requirement, which is making sure that your radio licence is paid for.
</blockquote>
ZINARA CEO Nkosinathi Ncube said that his organisation is prepared to implement the law once it is enacted. He said:
<blockquote>
We need to underline that we support Government decisions, parliamentary decisions, and the progress that it brings to the nation. So, we’re always there to support.
And as Government agents, we make sure that we fully implement that which the Government will then put through and which is good for the country.
</blockquote>
Ncube emphasized the need to ensure that, once passed, the new requirement would not interfere with ZINARA’s mandate to collect funds for road construction and maintenance.
He also revealed that 70 per cent of vehicles on the country’s roads, or just over 800,000 cars, are compliant with license and insurance payments.

The head of ZBC said it's okay to need a car radio license before getting insurance and registration. This rule will help enforce the law. The ZINARA will collect the money. ZINARA's CEO agreed to implement this law. They want to support the government's decisions to improve the country. They will make sure this new rule doesn't affect their work of collecting money for roads. Most cars in Zimbabwe already follow the rules by paying for licenses and insurance.

ZBC Head Defends Proposal For Car Radio Licences Before Vehicle Registration

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba has said all ZANU PF vehicles must pay toll fees when passing through toll gates, as required by law. He said no one, including Government departments, is exempt from this tax.
Charamba said that even the Office of the President must pay toll fees in advance through ZINARA. The Government receives toll certificates, not exemptions.
Charamba made the comments in response to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/all-zanu-pf-vehicles-must-pay-toll-fees-charamba/">The Mirror</a>, which showed a ZANU PF branded vehicle from Zaka South Constituency avoiding a tollgate last week. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
There is nothing exempting party vehicles and drivers from meeting their toll obligations. All Government Departments, the Office of the President included make yearly payments to Zinara and get certificates for that facility.
No to tax abuse in the name in the name of party logo. That’s putting the ruling party into disrepute and it’s a dismissible offence, according to party rules…
There is nothing exempting party vehicles and drivers from meeting their toll obligations. Well done Mirror.
</blockquote>
Last week, The Mirror photographer Nyasha Mariga filmed a ZANU PF vehicle owned by Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa passing through a tollgate without paying the toll fee.
When the crew asked the station supervisor about the incident, he admitted that the vehicle had broken the law.
Constable Chihoma from Masvingo Central Police even helped the driver avoid paying the toll fees.
ZINARA later confirmed in a statement to The Mirror that party vehicles must pay toll fees like everyone else. They also said that police officers are aware of this rule.

ZANU PF vehicles, including those for the President, must pay toll fees like everyone else. No one is exempt from the law, not even the ruling party. The Mirror caught a ZANU PF vehicle avoiding toll fees, but ZINARA confirmed that all party vehicles must pay. Police officers should not help them avoid paying toll fees. George Charamba said it's a dismissible offense to abuse tax exemptions in the name of the party logo. Everyone must follow the law and pay toll fees.

Charamba: ZANU PF Vehicles Not Exempt From Paying Toll Fees

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has released a list of half a million vehicles it threatens to de-register if their owners fail to resume paying for licenses.
ZINARA states that these vehicles have not been licensed or exempted for over two years.
This development appears to be part of the Zimbabwean government’s effort to raise funds.
In a notice, ZINARA informed vehicle owners that they must either license or exempt their cars by 22 December 2024 to avoid de-registration. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
All are advised of the impending deregistration of motor vehicles that have neither been licensed nor exempted for a period of more than two years.
This exercise is in terms of section 12c of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14], that empowers the Registrar of Vehicles to cancel the registration of vehicles not licensed and exempted for a period exceeding two years.
Motor vehicle owners affected by this exercise are advised to approach the Central Vehicle Registry to regularise their vehicles or approach the Zimbabwe National Road Administration to clear their outstanding arrears.
Deadline for motorists to regularize their vehicles is set for the 22nd of December 2024, after which deregistration of non-compliant vehicles will be undertaken.
</blockquote>
You can find the list of cars to check on this link (it’s an 18MB PDF file): <a class="css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1loqt21" dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/W9yPU432Vx" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" role="link" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1410BGm2p8kpZi_VQ8op9B4Lxz5EqhJHp/view…</a>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA in Zimbabwe says half a million cars could lose their registration for not paying licenses for over 2 years. Owners need to pay by December 22, 2024 to avoid de-registration. The government is doing this to raise money. Owners can check if their car is on the list provided. If your car is on the list, you should pay the fees or get an exemption to keep your car registered. Make sure to pay or your car may be de-registered soon.

Half A Million Vehicles At Risk Of De-Registration As ZINARA Targets Expired Licenses

A parliamentary committee has revealed that Zimbabwe loses an estimated $24 million every year because around 200,000 vehicles do not pay their vehicle licenses and tollgate fees.
Knowledge Kaitano, the chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, said that to stop this revenue loss, the tollgate system should be upgraded to toll plazas.
These recommendations were made during the pre-national budget seminar held in Bulawayo. Said Kaitano:
<blockquote>
Because there is no aggregated motor vehicle database and the absence of a database system which links CVR, ZIMRA, ZINARA, the Police, and Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, it is estimated that a minimum of 200 000 vehicles are not paying vehicle licenses nor toll gate fees thereby depriving the fiscus of $24 million annually, and an amount which can drill 7000 boreholes annually and 35 000 boreholes by 2030.
The time is now to roll out these toll plazas which were mooted as far back as in 2019.
</blockquote>
Kaitano said toll plazas can make more money because the software used by the two system vendors can be upgraded to handle VID certification, road permits, number plate verification, third-party insurance, ZBC insurance, and more.  He added:
<blockquote>
This will also greatly reduce road accidents. We have been made to understand that Zinara has the funds to build the toll plazas. There is also a need to increase the number of toll plazas for certain roads such as Harare-Masvingo and Bulawayo Victoria Falls.
</blockquote>
ZINARA’s acting chief executive, Moses Juma, recently announced that the agency aims to complete the construction of nine toll plazas along the Plumtree-Mutare highway by the end of the year.
Five of these toll plazas are already operational, while the remaining four are expected to be completed within the same timeframe.
ZINARA anticipates collecting approximately $100 million this year from these toll plazas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe loses $24 million each year because many vehicles don't pay their fees. To fix this, they want to upgrade the tollgate system. This will help make more money and reduce accidents. ZINARA is building more toll plazas to collect more money. The goal is to finish nine toll plazas by the end of the year along a specific highway. They hope to collect around $100 million from these toll plazas this year.

Zimbabwe Loses $24 Million Annually Due to Unpaid Vehicle Licences And Toll Fees - Parliament

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZiG) has announced new toll fees effective from the 9th of April, 2024.
According to ZINARA’s notice, the USD tariffs remain unchanged. On Premium roads, the ZiG fees are as follows: Light Motor-Vehicle ($54), Minibuses ($81), Buses ($108), Heavy Vehicles ($135), Haulage Trucks ($270), and Residential Discount Per Term ($1,080).
On Other roads, the ZiG fees are as follows: Light Motor-Vehicle ($41), Minibuses ($68), Buses ($81), Heavy Vehicles ($108), Haulage Trucks ($203), and Residential Discount Per Term ($810).
Here are the details:
<h2>Premium Roads:</h2>
<table style="width: 93.4425%;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 53.9604%;">Vehicle Class</th>
<th style="width: 22.7723%;">USD Tariff</th>
<th style="width: 113.614%;">ZiG Tariff</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Motorcycle</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">Exempted</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">Exempted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Light Motor-Vehicle</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$4.00</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">$54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Minibuses</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$6.00</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">$81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Buses</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$8.00</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">$108</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Heavy Vehicles</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$10.00</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">$135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Haulage Trucks</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$20.00</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">$270</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Residential Discount Per Term</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$80.00</td>
<td style="width: 113.614%;">$1,080</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Other Roads:</h2>
<table style="width: 94.1494%;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 53.9604%;">Vehicle Class</th>
<th style="width: 22.7723%;">USD Tariff</th>
<th style="width: 117.034%;">ZiG Tariff</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Motorcycle</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">Exempted</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">Exempted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Light Motor-Vehicle</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$3.00</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">$41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Minibuses</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$5.00</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">$68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Buses</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$6.00</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">$81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Heavy Vehicles</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$8.00</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">$108</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Haulage Trucks</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$15.00</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">$203</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 53.9604%;">Residential Discount Per Term</td>
<td style="width: 22.7723%;">$60.00</td>
<td style="width: 117.034%;">$810</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<img alt="May be an image of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/436379506_834975928672542_8700716211758783171_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=5f2048&amp;_nc_ohc=zzAmbImYd54Ab5_SsGL&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AfCXA5bJby7HJH9ElhrgP_WZx4Ihgnkv5Q56SNQm9zDgTg&amp;oe=661AE746"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA Announces ZiG Toll Fees

The Vehicle Inspection Department’s depot in Eastlea, Harare, is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art training management centre. This centre will accommodate the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, and Road Motor Transportation.
Road and certificate of competency tests will shift from the VID depot in Eastlea. Light vehicles will be tested at the Belvedere depot, while buses and trucks will undergo testing at a newly designated site near the Kuwadzana roundabout.
On Thursday, March 28, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona personally led a delegation on an inspection tour of the VID depots in Eastlea and Belvedere, as well as the newly established site near the Kuwadzana roundabout. Speaking after the tour, Minister Mhona said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/vid-eastlea-depot-to-be-re-purposed/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
I am happy that today we are here in the Kuwadzana area and others might be surprised by what is the ministry doing at this particular point in time.
But I want to thank His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa our visionary leader.
As I always say, we have a good leader who then gives us the trajectory of what we should pursue in terms of infrastructural development projects.
We started at Eastlea depot where we did our tour then we moved to Belvedere and finally we are here.
We own this place as a ministry and we are talking of 33 hectares. It is virgin land where we are proposing to say we need to decongest.
You know we have got CVR right in the city centre, and we have got Eastlea VID again which is also congested in terms of operations.
The idea behind what we are doing as a Ministry is to think outside the box and see how we can buttress and also augment the financing modalities when it comes to the Treasury. We want to use our own resources within the Ministry.
We have the Traffic Safety Council, we have ZINARA, and we have CMED. So we should talk about civil works. We have got CMED in place and if you talk of funding, we have ZINARA.
If you talk of safety concerns, we have the Traffic Safety Council. So you will see us having one centre when it comes to transport solutions.
So we are going to be having a transport management centre housed at Eastlea VID. We are going to be relocating the tests that you have seen in terms of certificate of competency, in terms of the provisional tests, that were done in that particular depot.
</blockquote>
Mhona also revealed that a new weighbridge will also be constructed at the new depot by the Kuwadzana roundabout.
He said the training centre at Belvedere could be upgraded with the private sector partnering with the Ministry.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

VID Eastlea Depot Set To Be Re-purposed

Harare City Council (HCC) officials are allegedly withholding ZWL$2.6 billion disbursed in 2023 by the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) for road maintenance. 
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024614/harare-stashing-zwl26b-zinara-funds">NewsDay</a>, HCC’s delayed utilisation of ZINARA funds came to light when Furbank Trading, a local company contracted to supply traffic lights, requested a contract variation due to non-payment for goods supplied on January 12. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
We were awarded the above-quoted purchase order number, the value was ZWL$1 346 926 000 … from January 12 to date we have sought two justifiable variations necessitated by the loss of value of the local currency, the latest variation was totally avoidable as we supplied the traffic signal heads, but you have not processed payment.
</blockquote>
NewsDay reported sources as saying the chief roads engineer, Gerald Mutume, a permanent South African resident of sleeping on the job. Said a source:
<blockquote>
He has been taking his time to sign papers and while he does that money dispatched by ZINARA loses value because of inflationary pressures.
He did the same last year, withholding money meant to buy aggregates and only gave a go-ahead after the value had been eroded and we bought half of what we should have bought had he acted swiftly.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said he had been briefed on the matter when contacted for comment. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We received a couple of billions from ZINARA and because it’s in local currency the expectation is that our officials act quickly by making payment.
I have asked the treasury and they tell me that they can’t pay our suppliers until they get the green light from the user who is the roads engineer and director of works.
</blockquote>
However, Mutume passed the buck to Mafume saying, “How do I get involved in the processing of payments? Go and ask the treasurer and the mayor, they are the ones who are involved at that level, not me.”
ZINARA chief executive, Nkosi Ncube said they have always had problems with local authorities over the utilisation of disbursed funds. Ncube said:
<blockquote>
We did disburse a substantial amount of money to Harare City Council last year and we encourage councils to use the money they are given wisely and responsibly.
We can’t dispatch money so that it sits in the accounts of local authorities.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) has been in free fall since its re-introduction in 2019. Initially, Zimbabweans used a mix of foreign currencies, including the US dollar, euro, and South African rand. 
However, on June 24, 2019, the Zimbabwean government banned the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, leading to increased reliance on the re-introduced ZWL, initially known as the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic IN 2020, the Government of Zimbabwe implemented a policy allowing the use of foreign currency for transactions. This decision aimed to mitigate economic challenges during the crisis.
Since then, the usage of the United States dollar has increased significantly. Currently, over 80 per cent of local transactions are conducted in USD.
Those who receive Zimbabwe dollars are eager to dispose of them promptly to avoid losing value.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Harare Council Sitting On ZWL$2.6 Billion ZINARA Funds"

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) says at least 400 000 vehicles being driven on Zimbabwean roads and are not properly licenced, prejudicing the country of millions of US dollars in potential revenue realised from the levy.
Addressing the media in Harare on Wednesday on the 2023 operational overview, ZINARA board chairman George Manyaya said there were 1.2 million registered vehicles in the country. Said Manyaya (<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/400k-vehicles-being-driven-on-zimbabwean-roads-with-no-licences-zinara/">via ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
You may be interested to note that figures from the Central Vehicle Registry department (CVR) show that Zimbabwe has only 1.2 million registered vehicles and of these, only 800.00 are compliant in terms of licensing.
Monthly, ZINARA licenses an average of between 130 000 to 150 000 vehicles only which amounts to between US$2.6 million and US$3 million a month which is predominantly received in ZWL.
In essence, with a compliance rate hovering around 60 per cent, the revenues collected under licensing are far below those claimed to be collected.
Furthermore, in the year under review, licensing collection amounted to just over a third of the total revenue collected.
For instance, records show that vehicles that are registered in Harare are around 300 000.
</blockquote>
ZINARA says it collected ZWL$868 billion against a revised budget of ZWL$768 billion in the year ending 31 December 2023.
Out of this amount, ZWL$536 billion was channelled towards road-related commitments. Said Manyaya:
<blockquote>
We collect funds from various revenue streams that include tolling, vehicle licensing, fuel levy, and overload fees among other revenue streams.
I will focus mainly only on vehicle licensing where there has been some debate in some quarters that this revenue stream should be returned to local authorities.
The rationale behind collecting vehicle licensing fees on behalf of all road authorities was done to ensure that, by centralising this process, we achieve greater efficiency, accountability, transparency, and equitable distribution of funds.
</blockquote>
While ZINARA said there were 1.2 million registered vehicles in Zimbabwe in 2023, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTATS) reported that in the year ending December 2022, the number of vehicles registered in Zimbabwe hit 1.5 million, up from 1.3 million in 2021.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Only 800k Out Of 1.2 Million Vehicles In Zimbabwe Are Licensed - ZINARA

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has said Statutory Instrument (SI) 5 of 2024 identifies the tolling points along the premium roads but does not create any new tollgates outside those specified in SI 39 of 2009.
In a public notice issued on 20 January 2024, ZINARA said the tollgates along the premium routes are Figtree, Ntabazinduna, Gweru North, Gweru South, Kadoma, Norton, Goromonzi, Rusape and Mutare as well as Skyline, Mushagashe, Chivi and Luthumba. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Following the promulgation of SI 5 of 2024, there have been queries regarding the designation of tollgates and this statement serves to provide clarity to the issues raised by members of the public.
SI 39 of 2009 spells out all the designated points along the national highways where tollgates may be established.
Some of these sites are gazetted but have not yet been established as tolling points or tollgates.
Meanwhile, the schedule of tollgates outlined in terms of SI 5 of 2024 identifies the tolling points along the premium roads but does not create or establish any new tollgates outside those specified in SI 39 of 2009.
For the avoidance of doubt, the operational tollgates along the premium routes are as follows:
Plumtree – Mutare Premium Route Tollgates
Figtree, Ntabazinduna, Gweru North, Gweru South, Kadoma, Norton, Goromonzi, Rusape and Mutare
Harare- Masvingo-Beitbridge Premium Route 
Tollgates Skyline, Mushagashe, Chivi and Luthumba
Accordingly, no additional tollgates have been added to the current complement of tollgates on these and other routes.
</blockquote>
Early this month, toll fees on premium routes were doubled. Light motor vehicles are now paying US$4 up from US$2 on all premium routes, minibuses paying US$6 up from US$3, heavy vehicles paying US$10 up from US$5 and haulage trucks US$20 up from US$10.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA Names Tollgates Along Premium Routes

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, has said the recent toll fee hike harms domestic tourism.
This comes after the Government early this month increased toll fees by up to 100% on some roads.
Rwodzi told journalists on Friday last week that her Ministry engaged the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development on the possibility of lowering the toll fees as they make travelling by roads expensive. She said (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022079/toll-fees-hike-stalls-domestic-tourism-govt">via NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
We think toll fees will affect domestic tourism, we were not in support of the move. However, we negotiated for the fees to be reduced.
When people are travelling they should not have headaches. For example, there might be five to six tollgates for someone driving from Harare to Victoria Falls and that is a substantial amount put aside by a motorist.
</blockquote>
Rwodzi said the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, which is in poor condition, should be prioritised. She said:
<blockquote>
As the tourism ministry, we want to ensure that these roads get fixed and accessed and we are very hopeful that the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway will be fixed and we will be making a lot of noise about it because upgrading our roads will make accessibility better.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), which collects the toll fees, defended the hike. It said:
<blockquote>
The new fees have been carefully considered to balance the need for accelerated road infrastructure rehabilitation funding, which has over the past three years been funded largely through Treasury.
These revised fees are part of a broader strategy to enhance capacity for ongoing road rehabilitation and routine maintenance.
</blockquote>
Toll fees on the Harare-Beitbridge and Plumtree-Mutare highways were increased to US$4 for light motor vehicles up from US$2.
Minibuses pay US$6 from US$3, buses US$8 from US$4, heavy vehicles US$10 from US$5, and haulage trucks US$20 from US$10.
On other roads, toll fees were increased by 50%.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Toll Fees Hike Harms Domestic Tourism - Minister Rwodzi

Zimbabwe’s Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, has stated that local councils are responsible for maintaining roads within their areas. This comes in response to complaints from road users about the poor state of some roads in cities and towns, despite the fees they pay that are meant for road repairs. Mangwana said:
<blockquote>
The maintenance of city roads falls under the purview of Local Authorities (City Fathers). Since 2000, there has been evidence of serious ineptitude by these Authorities in a number of service delivery areas, which include, refuse collection, water treatment and supply, road maintenance and street lighting. To alleviate the suffering urban dwellers, Govt started making interventions such as buying chemicals for water treatment, deploying the ERRP2 program for roads and EMA taking charge of refuse collection and the Geopomona Project. There are always celebrations when Council Election Results are announced. Every ratepayer should ask themselves what they are really celebrating; these urban gullies in the picture?
</blockquote>
Local government authorities in Zimbabwe have been complaining that the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), which collects toll fees, does not provide them with sufficient funds for road rehabilitation. In January 2023, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume even expressed the need to take legal action against ZINARA to regain control of vehicle licensing and allocate more resources for road repairs. He accused ZINARA of only providing inadequate funding, making it difficult for local authorities to maintain and repair roads in the city.
However, ZINARA has assigned blame to local government authorities. They criticised the quality of work done by some local authorities on road rehabilitation projects funded by ZINARA. ZINARA also highlighted that some local authorities were overcommitting or signing contracts that exceeded their allocated resources. They emphasised the importance of local authorities ensuring sustainable quality work within their allocated budgets and providing timely reports on the use of disbursed funds.
Many roads throughout the country are in terrible condition and have become dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Both the central government and local government authorities recognise this problem. The roads are in such poor shape that they pose a serious risk to people’s safety. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Councils Are Responsible For Maintenance Of City Roads - Mangwana

<div dir="auto"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZINARA/">Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA)</a> has announced a review of vehicle licensing and toll fees starting from 20 October 2023. According to a statement seen by Pindula News, ZINARA said the adjustment follows the regulations outlined in Statutory Instrument 32 of 2021. The statement clarifies that motorcycles are exempt from both USD and ZWL$ tariffs for toll fees. It also noted that:</div>
<blockquote>
<h3>Light Motor-Vehicle:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$2.00</li>
<li>ZWL$11,400</li>
</ul>
<h3>Minibuses:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$3.00</li>
<li>ZWL$17,100</li>
</ul>
<h3>Buses:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$4.00</li>
<li>ZWL$22,800</li>
</ul>
<h3>Heavy Vehicles:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>US$5.00</li>
<li>ZWL$28,500</li>
</ul>
<h3>Haulage Trucks:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$10.00</li>
<li>ZWL$57,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Residential Per Term:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$40.00</li>
<li>ZWL$228,000</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h2>Licensing Fees:</h2>
ZINARA also stated that the review of vehicle licensing fees was made in terms of Statutory Instrument 156 of 2022. The new fees which will apply with effect from the 20 October 2023 are as follows:
<blockquote>
<h3>Vehicles weighing Up to 1500kg:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$20</li>
<li>4 months =ZWL$114,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$171,000</li>
<li>8 months = 228,000</li>
<li>10 months = 285,000</li>
<li>12 months = 342,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 1500kg-2 250kg:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$25</li>
<li>4 months = 142,500</li>
<li>6 months = 213,750</li>
<li>8 months = 285,000</li>
<li>10 months = 356,250</li>
<li>12 months = 427,500</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 2251kg-3000kg:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$30</li>
<li>4 months = 171,000</li>
<li>6 months = 256,500</li>
<li>8 months = 342,000</li>
<li>10 months = 427,500</li>
<li>12 months = 513,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 3001kg-3 750kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$60</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$342,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$513,000</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$684,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$855,000</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$1,026,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 3751kg-4250kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>US$75</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$427,500</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$641,250</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$855,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,068,750</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$1,282,500</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 4251kg -5000kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$90</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$513,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$769,500</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,026,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,282,500</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$1,539,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 5001kg-5750kg:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$100</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$570,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$855,000</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,140,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,425,000</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$1,710,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 5751kg-6250kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>US$105</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$598,500</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$897,750</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,197,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,496,250</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$1,795,500</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 6251kg-7000kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$120</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$684,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$1,026,000</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,368,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,710,000</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$2,052,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 7001kg-7750kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$130</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$741,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL1,111,500</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,482,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,852,500</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$2,223,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 7751kg-9250kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>US$140</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$798,000</li>
<li>6 months =ZWL$1,197,000</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,596,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$1,995,000</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$2,394,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 9251kg-10000kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>US$150</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$855,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$1,282,500</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$1,710,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$2,137,500</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$2,565,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 10001kg-10750kg</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>US$200</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$1,140,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$1,710,000</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$2,280,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$2,850,000</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$3,420,000</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles weighing 10751kg and above</h3>
<ul>
<li>US$300</li>
<li>4 months = ZWL$1,710,000</li>
<li>6 months = ZWL$2,565,000</li>
<li>8 months = ZWL$3,420,000</li>
<li>10 months = ZWL$4,275,000</li>
<li>12 months = ZWL$5,130,000</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZINARA Reviews Vehicle Licensing And Toll Fees

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) says it has disbursed over $33.8 billion to road authorities for maintenance and rehabilitation in the first half of the year.
ZINARA announced the figures in a disbursement schedule published on Sunday.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zinara-disburses-34bn-for-rehab/">The Herald</a> on Sunday, ZINARA chief executive, Nkosinathi Ncube, said:
<blockquote>
From January to 30 June 2023, we have disbursed more than $30 billion to all the road authorities that we have in this country.
We are going to continue on this trajectory as we continue to strengthen our governance systems. As an organisation, we believe in transparency.
We urge our road authorities to timeously put their disbursements to use in order to preserve the value of the funds…
We observed that some road authorities at times struggle to come up with interim payment certificates (IPCs) and also face some contract management issues which delay their acquittal processes.
We, therefore, resolved to embark on continuous training programmes for our road authorities.
Our last workshop was in April and we will be resuming these trainings during the third quarter and last quarter of the year.
</blockquote>
Below is what each province received according to ZINARA:
<ul>
<li>Harare Metropolitan Province – $1.5 billion</li>
<li>Bulawayo Metropolitan Province – $752.4 illion</li>
<li>Manicaland Province – $561 million</li>
<li>Mashonaland Central- $416.5 million</li>
<li>Mashonaland East – $422.7 million</li>
<li>Mashonaland West – $634.2 million.</li>
<li>Masvingo – $253 million</li>
<li>Matabeleland South – $589.3 million</li>
<li>Matabeleland North $600.3 million</li>
<li>Midlands $773.7 million</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA Says It Has Disbursed Over $30 Billion For Roads Rehabilitation

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has suspended nine employees deployed at various tollgates across the country for allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities.
According to a ZINARA internal communique from the risk and loss control unit to members of staff, the unit identified suspicious conduct at some tolling sites resulting in the suspensions.
ZINARA’s head of corporate communication and marketing Tsungie Manyeza confirmed the development to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200014415/zinara-suspends-employees-over-fraud">NewsDay</a>. She said:
<blockquote>
As a rejuvenating brand, the new ZINARA is leaving no stone unturned in flushing out all forms of vices that negatively impact our revenue collection mandate.
The strengthening of our controls is fast yielding results in plugging revenue leakages in our systems.
We are taking a hardline stance against all forms of fraud and we have a robust procedure in place to close off the loopholes.
Meanwhile, our partnership with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission in the forming of the integrity committee has also yielded positive results whose role has gone a long way in plugging leakages.
</blockquote>
Manyeza also urged members of the public to assist in plugging revenue leakages by reporting suspicious transactions. She said:
<blockquote>
We aim to improve customer experience at all levels of our operations and we always encourage customers to get receipts as proof of payment for all the transactions they do.
We also encourage them to check that the motor vehicle details on their receipts are correct.
</blockquote>
In December 2021, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said ZINARA, the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were the most corrupt state departments.
Last month, a ZINARA licensing officer Patricia Chikorwe, stationed at the Harare Exhibition Park Branch, was sentenced to three years in jail after she was convicted of 258 counts of criminal abuse of office for manipulating the vehicle licensing system, resulting in a loss of potential revenue of US$168,458 for ZINARA.
In February last year, the ZACC arrested 12 ZINARA employees for fraud involving $9,8 million after they created fake tap cards which they swiped for motorists at the Shurugwi tollgate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA Suspends Nine Employees Over Fraud

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has said corruption is undermining the credibility of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).
Speaking at ZINARA’s annual general meeting held at a local hotel in Harare this week, Mhona said:
<blockquote>
Corruption undermines the credibility of the organisation and erodes public trust in the Road Fund.
</blockquote>
He urged ZINARA to work with various stakeholders including the media to improve its image. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200014177/corruption-damaging-zinara-image-minister">Mhona said</a>:
<blockquote>
This includes partnering with civil society organisations where possible and the media to promote awareness of the organisation’s mandate, brand at large and also the good things being done which may at times go unnoticed.
This includes implementing strict procurement procedures to realise value for money, ensuring that contracts are awarded fairly and transparently, and conducting regular audits to identify and address irregularities.
</blockquote>
In December 2021, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said ZINARA, the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were the most corrupt state departments.
Last month, a ZINARA licensing officer Patricia Chikorwe, stationed at the Harare Exhibition Park Branch, was sentenced to three years in jail after she was convicted of 258 counts of criminal abuse of office for manipulating the vehicle licensing system, resulting in a loss of potential revenue of US$168,458 for ZINARA.
In February last year, the ZACC arrested 12 ZINARA employees for fraud involving $9,8 million after they created fake tap cards which they swiped for motorists at the Shurugwi tollgate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Corruption Undermining ZINARA's Credibility - Minister Mhona

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has reduced toll gate fees in Zimbabwe dollars after the local currency regained value against the United States dollar.
On 05 July 2023, ZINARA reviewed Zimbabwe dollar toll fees but charges in US dollars remain unchanged.
Motorcycles are exempted from paying toll fees but light motor vehicles will pay US$2.00 or ZWL$10 800.
Minibuses will pay US$3.00 or ZWL$16 200, buses will pay US$4.00 or ZWL$21 600, and heavy vehicles will pay US$5.00 or ZWL$27 000.
Haulage trucks will pay US$10.00 or ZWL$54 000, while residential per term has been set at US$40.00 or ZWL$216 000.
<img alt='May be an image of text that says "f ZINARA Notice Το Our Valued Customers Adjustment of Toll Fees Following the strengthening of the Zimbabwe dollar and in terms of SI 156 of 2022, please be advised that the ZWL Toll fees have been reviewed downwards as follows: Vehicle Class Motorcycle Light Motor-Vehicle Minibuses Buses Heavy Vehicles Haulage Trucks Residential Per Term USD Tariff Exempted 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 10.00 40.00 New Tariff (ZWL) Exempted 10,800 16,200 21,600 27,000 54,000 216,000 www.zinara.co.zw Issued 05/07/2023 (0242) 442711-3 pr@ zinara.co.zw"' decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/357116958_665791298924340_5517203769934010964_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=400NYF5v8pYAX9S_HIS&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfA1Zi8Ik9pnHFiGnumn_7LrPEGfWeE5el0hO6CSZIs1Nw&amp;oe=64ABC202"/>
Before the latest toll fees adjustment, the previous charges set on 15 June 2023 were as follows: light motor vehicles (ZWL$11 960), minibuses (ZWL$17 940), buses (ZWL$23 920), heavy vehicles (ZWL$29 900), haulage trucks (ZWL$59 800), and residential per term  (ZWL$239 200).
ZINARA has also slashed vehicle licencing fees in Zimbabwe dollars due to the strengthening of the local unit.
<img alt="May be an image of car and text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/356431315_665791322257671_339075341360757905_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=bJUZ5drhpasAX87YqQ2&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfDdMo2v2l_R1mlukiDaevv9Dx4bXnXfYQztpknzno0F9w&amp;oe=64AB19EB"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA Reduces Zimbabwe Dollar Toll Fees

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has announced new toll fees with effect from 15 June 2023.
Motorcycles are exempted from paying toll fees but light motor vehicles will pay US$2.00 or ZWL$11 960 with effect from tomorrow.
Minibuses will pay US$3.00 or ZWL$17 940, buses will pay US$4.00 or ZWL$23 920, and heavy vehicles will pay US$5.00 or ZWL$29 900.
Haulage trucks will pay US$10.00 or ZWL$59 800, while residential per term has been set at US$40.00 or ZWL$239 200.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fyl8iFlWIAMSUA7?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINARA Hikes Toll Fees Effective 15 June 2023

Former Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) chief executive officer Saston Muzenda (48) has been jailed for 36 months for corruption, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/former-zinara-boss-jailed-for-corruption/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Muzenda was charged with criminal abuse of office as a public officer and was convicted after a full trial.
However, six months of his sentence was suspended on condition he doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years.
He will, therefore, serve an effective 30 months.
Muzenda was found guilty of unlawfully awarding a tender to an undeserving security company, at the expense of two other firms, which had been awarded the job.
He allowed Ex-Combatants Security company to provide services to ZINARA when the ZINARA board had resolved to give the job to Morden Security and Real Star Security.
Allegations were that in June 2019, Modern Security and Real Star Security were awarded tenders to provide services at ZINARA’s Northern and Southern regions from September 1 of the same year.
Ex-Combatants and National Eye Security’s contracts were expected to end on August 31, 2019, before Modern Security and Real Star Security took over.
Muzenda, who was acting ZINARA CEO, had already allowed Ex-Combatants Security to add security guards in areas that were manned by National Eye Security. Prosecutors said:
<blockquote>
The accused person went on to write a letter to the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) seeking the extension of the contract for a further 12 months.
</blockquote>
PRAZ asked Muzenda for the contracts and he responded by saying he had already extended Ex-Combatants Security’s contract by 12 months. Appearing for the State:
<blockquote>
This was unlawful and unexpected of the accused person who held public office at the time.
ZINARA had to make payments amounting to ZWD300 948 to Ex- Combatants Security after receiving a letter from PRAZ instructing them to terminate their contract with the security company.
</blockquote>
During the trial, Muzenda denied the charges. He argued that the security companies were already involved in contractual disputes when he assumed the position of CEO at ZINARA.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former ZINARA CEO Jailed 36 Months For Corruption

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has borrowed $600 million from Nedbank for the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2).
The Government gave a guarantee that the money will be repaid by the end of May.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zinara-borrows-600m-for-errp/">The Herald</a> reported that ZINARA has a substantial daily inflow of revenue from its toll gates and vehicle licence fees, but occasionally borrows to speed up progress or to finance a major set of roadworks.
The notice of the guarantee was gazetted by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube as 131H of 2023. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The guarantee is surety to Nedbank Zimbabwe Limited that Government will honour ZINARA’s obligations under the composite bridging facility for road rehabilitation works for the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 project in the event that ZINARA defaults on its contractual obligations.
The total amount covered by the guarantee is for $600 million including accrued interest.
The guarantee shall be applicable and become payable in so far as the funds were used by Zinara for the sole and authorised purpose of constructing the road rehabilitation works under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 project.
</blockquote>

ZINARA Borrows $600 Million For Roads Rehabilitation

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona said that the government has started disengaging from the Univern contract after it was deemed inconsistent with the Procurement Act.
This came after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report made under the 2016 Audit Report presented before Parliament showed that the granting of the contract to Univern was not consistent with the Procurement Act.
Both the Audit Report and PAC established that it was improper for the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) to pay huge amounts of money to Univern when it had not constructed a single tollgate.
Addressing lawmakers in the National Assembly, Mhona said the government cannot continue with the contract. He said:
<blockquote>
We have started disengaging from Univern. So, we cannot say we have given them a lifetime.
They were arguing to say their contracts are ending in 2029/30 but we said alas, we cannot continue with this contract which was a one-paper or whatever.
We need to regularise and make sure we are in line. We cannot wake up and we don’t want them.
We need to take over from them and we have done that in terms of the database, which was also another problem where the database was still within their purview.
We are less than 24 months for them to end their contracts. We are taking over the systems.
We are saying at the end of the day, for a contract that did not have an end date; we managed to sit and say we need this to have finality in terms of the contract arrangement.
Precisely, I do concur that it was a bad contract, no one disputes that.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Univern_Enterprises">Univern Enterprises</a> is a Zimbabwean-registered firm that supplies IT systems, as well as various goods and services in Zimbabwe.

Govt "Disengaging" From Univern Contract, Says Minister Mhona

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) chief executive officer has responded to claims by Harare mayor Jacob Mafume that the local authority has been failing to repair roads since it (ZINARA) took over. 
Earlier on Tuesday, Mafume was quoted as saying the local authority has no choice but to take ZINARA to court so that it can be deconstructed and vehicle licensing be brought back to the local authorities.
In response, the ZINARA issued a statement saying, among other things, in 2021 the City of Harare failed to fully its allocation. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Whilst we don’t want to respond to rhetoric, we feel duty-bound to inform the nation with facts on certain inaccuracies. 
Firstly, we want to categorically state that, ZINARA has consistently disbursed funds for road rehabilitation and maintenance to all the Road Authorities, the City of Harare included.
According to the dictates of the Roads Act, a Road Authority can only access a new disbursement from Zinara after acquitting its previous disbursement. 
As for the City of Harare, it is important for the nation to know that in 2020, their total allocation was 86 million ZWL which could be translated using the prevailing exchange rate at the time and ZINARA disbursed 100 percent of that amount and the city of Harare failed to acquit their last disbursement.
As a result, they failed to access an early disbursement in 2021. The City of Harare’s allocation for 2021 was 1, 3 billion which again can be translated to USD using the exchange rate at the time. 
However, the City of Harare only requested 154 million ZWL of this total allocation and failed to utilise in excess of 1,1 billion ZWL. 
In 2022, they are yet to acquit their fourth quarter disbursement of 566 million ZWL despite the fact that most Road Authorities have already acquitted their 2022 disbursements. 
This means that even if funds were to be disbursed today as per the ZINARA schedule for 2023, Harare residents will still be deprived of service delivery until their Road Authority follows the dictates of the Road Act.
We continue to urge all Road Authorities to timeously acquit the disbursed funds in order to access their next allocation. 
It is a fact that our roads need to be rehabilitated and we need to work hand in glove to address this. 
Whilst some may argue the funds disbursed are not enough to meet all the needs, it will also be noble to be transparent and show the nation how the received funds were utilised.
</blockquote>

ZINARA Responds To Harare Mayor's Threat Of Legal Action Over Road Funds

City of Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has accused the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) of allocating “crumbs” to the local authority which has made it difficult for them to repair roads in the city.
He said the local authority l has no choice but to take ZINARA to court so that it can be deconstructed and vehicle licensing be brought back to the local authorities.
Mafume said the Harare City Council is now being forced to use its own funds and City Parking funds mostly for road rehabilitation as the allocations from ZINARA are insignificant.
He said the local authority’s failure to repair and maintain roads and the attendant infrastructure began when ZINARA took over.
According to a statement posted on the City of Harare’s Facebook page, in the last five years out of expectations of plus or minus US$60 million per year, the City of Harare received less than US$2.5 million per year.
The local authority said it has not received anything from fuel levy and carbon tax revenues in the past. Mafume was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
To illustrate the sad state of affairs in the Roads sector we had a target of 40km of road rehabilitation but because of funding constraints we only managed to do 12.5km of rehabilitation and in terms of routine maintenance our target was 450km and on this one we managed to do 436km using funds from City Parking Pvt Ltd and the budget provision.
If ZINARA funds were allocated during the first Quarter of the year, we could have done over 89km of Road Reseal, 52km of overlay and 20km of Road Reconstruction.
The last disbursement made in December 2022 meant that we could only do 15km of reseal, 8km of overlay and 3km of reconstruction.
</blockquote>
Mafume said it was high time responsible authorities and Members of Parliament took heed of the calls by local authorities and residents to reform the ZINARA model.

Harare Mayor Vows To Take ZINARA To Court Over Road Funds

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has condemned local authorities for shoddy work on some road rehabilitation projects that are undertaken using funds disbursed by ZINARA.
In a statement, ZINARA also chided local authorities for overcommitting or signing contracts that are way above the resources allocated. ZINARA said:
<blockquote>
Another area of concern noted by ZINARA in 2022 was the low quality of work by some local authorities.
There is a need for local authorities contractors to ensure sustainable quality work because the resources that ZINARA has are limited compared to the work that needs to be done on our roads.
Analysis of the 2022 disbursement statistical data, ZINARA noted that some local authorities overcommitted and entered contracts that were way above their allocations.
Going forward, ZINARA urges the local authorities to budget within their allocations and ensure timely acquittals of disbursed funds.
This is prudentially important in terms of value preservation of their allocated funds.
</blockquote>
ZINARA has unveiled ZWL$93 billion towards road rehabilitation and maintenance this year while over ZWL$30 billion was disbursed to local authorities last year.
According to the latest funding disbursement report issued by ZINARA on Sunday, 22 January 2023, Harare Metropolitan Province received the highest funding of $1.73 billion in 2022.
Matabeleland region, which includes Bulawayo and sister provinces of Matabeleland North and South, got a combined total of $1.24 billion.
Matabeleland North Province received $422.9 million, with Victoria Falls receiving the highest amount of $120.8 million for road rehabilitation and maintenance under the urban councils’ category in the province.
Umguza Rural District Council got the lion’s share among rural local authorities in Mat’ North Province. It received $70.9 million. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zinara-blasts-councils-over-shoddy-jobs/">Chronicle</a>

ZINARA Condemns Local Authorities Over Poor Workmanship On Road Projects

A Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) tollgate cashier was arrested on allegations of defrauding NetOne of ZWL$16 million.
Tongai Clive Shonhiwa (34) recently appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi, who granted him $50 000 bail and remanded the matter to 12 December.
The complainant in the case is NetOne Cellular (Pvt) Ltd, represented by its fraud manager Munyaradzi Hove.
Allegations are that from July 2022 to date, ZINARA received point-of-sale machines from various banks with NetOne post-paid data lines for use at tollgates across the country.
On dates unknown to the prosecution, but during the same period, Shonhiwa allegedly removed several post-paid NetOne data sim cards from point-of-sale machines under his charge and gained access to NetOne data recharge platforms.
The accused would then sell the post-paid data lines to unsuspecting clients claiming that the lines had several benefits and packages including unlimited data recharge and talk time.
It is alleged that during the same period, the accused sold two data lines to Courage Nemaisa for US$500.
Nemaisa allegedly then gave one of the paid lines to Talent Taunezvi and the two used these lines to transfer data bundles to several clients at a fee.
NetOne detected the fraud and reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Nemaisa and Taunezvi who then implicated Shonhiwa. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004129/netone-loses-16m-to-zinara-cashier">NewsDay</a>

NetOne Loses $16 Million To ZINARA Cashier

The government on Friday, 28 October reviewed the New Limpopo Bridge tolling system at Beitbridge border post to allow the fees to be paid at the prevailing bank rate of the day.
The changes are contained in Statutory Instrument 184 of 2022 which reads in part:
<blockquote>
It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, in terms of sections 6 of the Toll-Roads Act (Chapter 13:13), has made the following changes –these regulations may be cited as the Beitbridge (Tolling) (Amendment) Regulations, 2-022 (No 2).
The Beitbridge (Tolling) regulations, 2014, published in Statutory Instrument 100 of 2014 (hereinafter referred to as the principal regulation) is amended by the repeal of the schedule and the submission of the following- the motor vehicle will pay US$4, light motor vehicle up to 3 tonnes (US$9) and heavy vehicles to pay US$23.
The fees above shall be payable in United States dollars or South African rand using the exchange rate as published by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as at the date of payment.
</blockquote>
Since 2014, the bridge toll fees were fixed for light motor vehicles paying US$4 or R55, light motor vehicles weighing up to three tonnes, (US$9 or R125), while heavy vehicles were charged US$23 or R325.
The toll fees are collected by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/limpompo-bridge-tolling-fees-now-payable-in-bond/">Chronicle</a>

Govt Reviews New Limpopo Bridge Tolling System

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has said all vehicles without valid license discs will NOT be allowed to pass through the Tollgates with effect from 01 October 2022.
In a public notice, ZINARA said motorists with valid insurance receipts will be able to pay for their vehicle license discs at the Tollgates. However, they will be able to collect them at the nearest ZINARA licensing offices. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration would like to advise the motoring public that all vehicles without valid license discs will NOT be allowed to pass through the Tollgates with effect from 01 October 2022.
This is in line with the Vehicle Registration &amp; Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14) subsection 6 and 22 which states that all vehicles which are de-registered, vehicles with licensing exemptions, and vehicles without number plates are not allowed to move around Zimbabwean roads.
As such, we urge the motoring public to make sure that their vehicles are fully licensed before they embark on any travel to avoid inconveniences.
ZINARA will allow motorists with valid insurance receipts to pay for their vehicle license discs at the Tollgates and collect them at the nearest ZINARA licensing offices.
</blockquote>

Vehicles Without Valid License Discs Won't Pass Through Tollgates - ZINARA

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration Authority (ZINARA) has announced the prepaid tolling card minimum balances.
According to a public notice released by ZINARA, the minimum balances for different classes of vehicles are as follows: light motor vehicles (ZWL$1 040), minibuses (ZWL$1 560), buses (ZWL$2 080), heavy vehicles (ZWL$2 600), and haulage trucks (ZWL$5 200). Reads part of the notice:
<blockquote>
Open Cards: i.e a card assigned to more than one vehicle will have a minimum balance of ZWL$5 200.
Corporate Cards: Minimum balance is calculated on a 7-day basis.
</blockquote>
<table class="table table-bordered table-hover" id="table_1" style="width: 95.7383%; height: 173px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.63">Vehicle Class</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.52">Toll Fee (ZWL)</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.71">Minimum Balance per vehicle assigned on card (ZWL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93">Motorcycle</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.68">Exempted</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.21">Exempted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95">Light Motor Vehicles</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">520</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.53">1 040</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.46">Minibuses</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">780</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=95.61">1 560</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">Buses</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92">1040</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=93.92">2 080</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">Heavy Vehicles</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">1300</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=92.72">2 600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92">Haulage Trucks</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93">2600</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=76.77">5200</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUZrwH9X0Ac1qIR?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900"/>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ZINARA Announces Prepaid Tolling Card Minimum Balances

MDC Alliance has criticised the government for legalising the collection of toll fees in United States dollars saying the move suggests that the government is heartless. Zimbabwe has a huge scarcity of foreign currency. Said the party in a statement:
<blockquote>USD based toll fees a sign of a heartless government
31 January 2021.
In November 2020, the government of Zimbabwe through ZINARA raised toll fees by 170% from 45RTGS to 120 RTGS. In less than 2 months, the government has further increased toll fees by a further 38 percent from 120RTGS to 165 RTGS.
Sadly these increments are a burden on the traveller whose income continues to be depleted by the day. To further compound the woes for the traveling poor masses, the government has legalised the collection of toll fees in USD capped by a pronouncement that Toll fees will automatically increase in RTGS terms as and when the exchange rate changes upwards.
The MDC Alliance appreciates that under such COVID-19 induced lockdown conditions, most travellers are civil servants in essential service. It therefore goes against logic that civil servants whose salaries are RTGS based and have not been increased to match the Pre RTGS era are the same salaries that are supposed to sustain Toll fees that have now been pegged to match the time when the country was under the USD era.
What evades the mind of policy makers is the reality that the auction rate is reported to be stagnant for the past 6 months and therefore it remains baffling to have an increment of close to 200 percent in less than 60 days.
Transport remains a critical component in the cost buildup of any business. Where toll fees are increased, fuel equally increased, means that the landed costs of any product or service rise by an equal measure and is sadly borne by the consumer.
No sane government would effect an increase in toll fees to an already overburdened citizenry. We therefore call on Mr. Mnangagwa’s government to head the call by labour unions to align salaries to the USD pre October 2018 era.
What is more painstaking is that while travellers pay such huge amounts through toll fees, reports of corruption and looting of funds at ZINARA continue unabated yet our roads have become death traps.
Hon Settlement Chikwinya (MP) 
National Secretary for Transport and Logistics 
MDC Alliance</blockquote>

MDC-A: Toll Fees In USD A Sign Of A Heartless Govt

Zimbabwe National Roads  Administrator ZINARA is rocked by yet another scandal The Herald reports.  The road administrator reportedly lost US$21 000 ($2 million) when a group of employees working in the cash office misrepresented money paid for fuel levies.
The matter only came to light when ZINARA finance director Mr Adam Zvandasara requested Mr Chenjerayi Chibatamoto who is a financial controller to verify purported fuel levy receipts submitted by a company called PurOil Private Limited according to the publication.
A report from ZINARA to the police about the alleged theft reads in part:
<blockquote>Preliminary internal investigations revealed that on October 21, 2020 Mr Marlon Chikomo the finance executive of PurOil visited Zinara head office and paid US$15 840 being fuel levy for 264 000 litres of petrol.
Mr Chikomo said he was served by a male cashier who gave him an electronic receipt number REC33816 which he was supposed to use to obtain a Direct Fuel Import Licence.
A check in the Zinara Pastel Accounting System revealed that the receipt submitted by PurOil was not recorded in the system. Instead the receipt number reflects in the system as belonging to Westemead Pvt Limited which allegedly paid US$80 for fuel levy.
However, a further search for the transactions in the accounting system revealed that both the US$15 840 and US$80 were not recorded as fuel levy collections for October 21, 2020, and could not be traced to the Zinara bank statements.</blockquote>
Furthermore, ZINARA also noted that:
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li>The investigations also noted that the office bank record of October 21, which was supposed to be signed by five employees in the cash office (names supplied) and attached to the daily transactional report was missing.</li>
<li>PurOil paid US$5 280 on November 12 for the fuel levy for importation of 88 000 litres but the transaction was not recorded in the accounting system.</li>
<li>Receipts issued to the company belonged to one Zenda valued at $20 and was for prepaid tolling cards. The transaction was also not captured in the daily cash office banking records for the day.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
ZRP confirmed receiving the report from ZRP. ZINARA has headlined for <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/us39-siphoned-from-zinara-through-opaque-deals/">different scandals over the years</a> including one in which $39 Million was siphoned out of ZINARA through questionable deals.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zinara-workers-in-fuel-levy-scandal/">The Herald </a>

Zinara Latest News

Latest Jobs