By Twink Jones Gadama
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has vehemently opposed the government’s plans to increase toll gate fees, citing the already dire economic situation in Malawi. Transport Minister Jacob Hara revealed on Friday that the government is considering revising the toll gate fees due to economic pressures, including devaluation.
However, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has described the move as ill-timed, arguing that Malawians are already struggling to make ends meet. Namiwa alleged that the government’s true intention is to widen its revenue generation base to fund its campaign.
“The government is being insensitive to the plight of Malawians, who are already bearing the brunt of economic hardships,” Namiwa said. “This move will only serve to further exacerbate the suffering of the masses.”
The proposed increase in toll gate fees has sparked widespread outrage, with many Malawians taking to social media to express their discontent. The hashtag #TollGateFeesMustFall has been trending on Twitter, with many users calling on the government to reconsider its decision.
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has also weighed in on the issue, calling on the government to revise the newly gazetted toll gate fees. HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence argued that the fees should not be prohibitive and should not impinge on the economic freedoms of Malawians.
“The government must justify how it arrived at these toll gate figures,” Trapence said. “The state must expressly demonstrate if these fees are in tandem with the current cost of living for Malawians, who are pinned by untold economic hardships.”
The controversy surrounding the proposed increase in toll gate fees comes at a time when Malawians are already struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. The country is facing severe economic challenges, including a crippling fuel shortage and a rapidly depreciating currency.
As the debate over the proposed increase in toll gate fees continues to rage, one thing is clear: the government must prioritize the welfare of its citizens and reconsider its decision. The people of Malawi are already suffering, and this move will only serve to further exacerbate their suffering.
