Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Isaac Mwaipopo – CTPD Acting Executive Director
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has called on government through the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development to update the public how the total revenues collected from the time the toll fees were introduced are being utilized.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo says this will help the general public appreciate and see the linkage between the money they pay at the toll gates and how it is being utilized which may further enhance compliance from motorists.
On Wednesday Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela told parliament that K 236.9 million has been raised in toll fees from January to May, 2017.
The minister further went on to share government’s intentions to set up 20 more inland toll plazas estimated at K 670 million kwacha.
Mr. Mwaipopo says while the organization appreciates this development, it is critical that the nation is told how these funds are being utilized.
Mr. Mwaipopo notes that there are a number of adverts that have been running on various media platforms sensitizing the public on the need to pay toll fees, but less information on how the resources collected from the time the toll gates where introduced have been utilized.
He understands that the National Road Fund Agency (NFRA) was established to perform many functions beyond collection of fees, and it is for this reason that the organization urges the Agency to share information with the public on roads that have been maintained and constructed using this fund.