RFA collects K4.7bn form tollgates

Over 4 billion kwacha has been made from the country’s tollgates since their establishments.

According to the Roads Fund Administration (RFA) they have collected K4.7 billion since the inception of both Chingeni and Kalinyeke toll facilities.

The two toll facilities were commissioned in November 2021 and January 2022, respectively.

According to RFA spokesperson Masauko Mngwaluko there has be progress on the motoring public‘s use of the two facilities.

“So far so good we have realized 4.7 billion kwacha from the two toll facilities of Chingeni and Kalinyeke. We are hopeful that more revenue will be collected as the year progresses,’’ he said.

There was a public uproar over the establishment of the two facilities, as some sections of the society did not see the relevance, arguing it was just government’s way of further milking the taxpayer.

Some concerned Citizens even threatened to hold protest and vigils at Chingeni to force the authorities push down the tolling fees that were initially set.

Government bowed down to pressure and trimmed the toll fees.

With the initial fees that were set, the RFA estimated that each of the gates would make an annual collection of 4 billion kwacha.

However as Mngwaluko explained to Capital FM, the current collections may seem on the lower side as they are reflective of the revised fees and not the rates that were set at the commencement of the system.

Meanwhile, the RFA has set aside K5 billion for the construction of four more tollgates.

“Toll gates will be constructed along the Lilongwe-Salima road, Lilongwe-Mchinji road, near Nkhamenya in Kasungu and in Dowa,” said Mngwaluko.

The tollgates were established as part of reforms at the RFA, towards maximisation of resource mobilisation for road rehabilitation and construction.

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