Toll gates to lessen dependency on donors - CTPD
TRANSPARENCY and accountability in the collection of resources such as those from toll gates will help Zambia move away from excessive donor dependency, says the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD).
CTPD executive director, Isaac Mwaipopo, said resources from toll gates would help Zambia move away from excessive donor dependence which had characterised the country’s development model for a long time now.
Mr Mwaipopo further said it made more sense that resources raised locally be ploughed back with empowerment of local contractors being prioritized.
“CTPD understands that the National Road Fund Agency (NFRA) was established to perform many functions beyond just collection of toll fees, and it is for this reason that we urge the Agency to share information with the public on roads that have been maintained or are being constructed using toll fees,
“CTPD wishes to further implore the government that if their brilliant idea of maximising sustainable domestic resource mobilisation is to be sustained, transparency and accountability in the collection of resources such as the ones coming from the toll gates is of paramount importance,” he said.
Mr Mwaipopo said in a statement that while CTPD appreciated the figures shared reflecting the collections made from the toll plazas dotted around the country, it was of the considered view that it was more critical for the Ministry in charge to go a step further and update the public how the money was being utilised.
He explained that this would help the general public and road users appreciate and see the linkage between the money they paid at the toll gates and the way it was being utilised.
“Going by the publicity on the importance of road tolling as witnessed by the number of radio and televisions adverts that have been running on various media channels, it is only prudent