.Mr Mukanga

By PASSY HAACHIZO –
THE Government has launched the National Road Tolling Programme (NRTP) Phase II to increase the revenue collection for road maintenance and construction.
Works and Supply Minister, Yamfwa Mukanga said at the launch of the NRTP Phase II held at Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday afternoon that phase two would encompass all vehicle classifications, either small or big.
National Tolling was first introduced in 1983 with toll booths constructed on identified sites, including the one at the Kafue Weighbridge but the tolling plan was abandoned and the toll gates were vandalised, except for a few.
Mr Mukanga said the Phase II Tolling programme which was expected to take effect from December 1, 2015 would bring about development in the road sector.
He, however, said the mandate to collect toll fees would now be moved from the Road Development Agency (RDA) to the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), the fund managers for the road sector.
“In the transitional period, NRFA has been appointed as a Toll Agent by RDA for inland tolling, while the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) will continue to perform its function as a toll agent at ports of entry,” Mr Mukanga said.
He said the key message covering the various aspects of the RT programme would be carried in both print and electronic media.
Mr Mukanga said Phase II of the Tolling Programme was also expected to create more jobs for young people in addition to the 48 that have already been employed.
He said so far RDA had managed to collect about K545 million from 2013 from the time the tolling of heavy vehicles was embarked on.
RDA Board chairperson, Samuel Mukupa said six toll plazas were currently under construction by two contractors, Njovu Transport and Shire Construction, respectively.