By Grace Amana
In a daring move to bypass ZINARA tollgate fees along the Gweru-Shurugwi Road, a group of kombi drivers from Shurugwi are now using an off-road route through farms to avoid paying the toll fares.
This unconventional tactic has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among travelers about the challenges being faced by commuter operators in the country. According to local reports, the drivers have been utilizing a secret route through farms to circumvent the tollgate, saving themselves the cost of the fee, and this maneuver has not only caught the attention of authorities but has also drawn mixed reactions from the public.
When approached for comment, several commuter drivers expressed their reasons for resorting to this alternative route.
One driver, who preferred to remain unnamed, stated, “The tollgate fees are becoming too much of a burden for us. We are already struggling to make ends meet, and the additional cost of tollgate fees eats into our profits. Using the off-road route is our way of trying to survive in this tough economic climate.”
Another driver added, “We are not trying to break the law, but the tollgate fees are just too high. It’s a difficult situation for us, and we have to find ways to keep our businesses running. I carry eighteen people, which is US$18, I pay US$2 to the loaders, and then I have to pay US$5 for the tollgate. That leaves me with US$11 per trip and I’m supposed to cash $50 at the end of the day”.
On the other hand, some community members have expressed concern about the potential impact of the increased traffic on the off-road route. They worry about the safety of passengers as the route is filled with open and deep ditches which might cause accidents in the rainy season and the potential damage to the farms along the way.
The authorities have been alerted to the situation and are reportedly investigating the matter. It remains to be seen how the issue will be addressed and whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both the drivers and the authorities.
This bold move by the Shurugwi kombi drivers has ignited a conversation about the challenges faced by drivers in the region and the impact of tollgate fees on their livelihoods.