Heavy Trucks use Mungwi Road to avoid Katuba toll gates

Concerned residents and motorists in Ferngrove residential ( locally known as Kasupe ) area and the neighbouring Zingalume township have called on government through National Road Development Fund ( NRDF ) to immediately construct a toll gate on the newly re-rehabilitated road.

The concerned motorists and residents in the area said they are concerned that there is an increased number of trucks that are now using the road to seemingly avoid paying toll fees on the Kabwe – Lusaka highway.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow motorists, Ms Anne Mwale, said in an interview with ZANIS today that while government through its agencies such as the Road Development Agency ( RDA ) and the NRDF has spent colossal sum of monies to reconstruct and rehabilitate the economically viable Mungwi road it was sad to note that there now a number of heavy loaded trucks which were using the road as a short-cut to Kabwe and other outlying areas.

Ms Mwale said unless a toll- gate is set up along the road especially at Mungwi- Kasupe road junction, the newly rehabilitated road risks being damaged by the heavy trucks.

“We are concerned as motorists and residents alike that there are a number of trucks that are using our new road to freely transport their goods with rather than paying tolling fees along the main Kabwe- Lusaka road.

“The answer to this is for the government through its leading road agencies to immediately set up a toll-gate on the road so that revenue is collected not only for the treasury but also help with maintenance of the new road, “ she said.

Both RDA Corporate Affairs Director Masuzyo Ndhlovu and his NRDA counterpart Alfonscais Hamachila where unreachable as their mobile phones were switched off when contacted for comment.

However, Mr. Ndholvu later on when reached for comment on his mobile said he will respond to the concern upon getting the details on the matter.

The Mungwi road which is part of the L – 400 roads government has targeted for reconstruction has so far reached at Kumwaka lodge junction from Lumumba road junction.