(Last Updated on November 23, 2020 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – The Nelson Chamisa led MDC-Alliance has condemned the recent road toll fee hikes announced by government, labeling them as “anti-poor.”
This follows the recent adjustments made to the toll gate fees which will see small light vehicles pay ZWL$120 while buses pay ZWL$240.
Heavy vehicles will now pay ZWL$300 while haulage trucks are expected to pay ZWL$590 per toll gate.
Government also made an upward review of the vehicle licensing fees which will see cars weighing upto 1 500kgs paying as high as ZWL$1 800.
The statement from the main opposition party blasted this hike and questioned why government was increasing the toll fees while salaries for civil servants received very little adjustment.
“This exponential toll fee increase is anti-poor and is not commensurate with the wages that workers are receiving. Civil servant’s salaries have only gone up by a meagre 41%. It goes without saying that all goods and services have a transport cost imbedded in their cost structure. Therefore, an increase in transport cost will have a domino effect on the price of goods and services. The resultant effect is a further increase to the already unaffordable cost of living,” read part of the statement.
The statement also called on the Minister of Finance to use the 2021 Budget Presentation to review the toll fees and align them to reflect the economic realities of the citizens.
