By Suleman Chitera

The Roads Fund Administration (RFA) has attributed delays in the construction of several toll gates across the country to serious financial challenges.

Speaking in an interview, RFA spokesperson Masauko Ngwaluko said the institution had initially planned to construct 15 toll gates using its own internally generated resources. However, only a few of the planned projects have progressed, while others have stalled due to insufficient funding.

Ngwaluko explained that the main challenge has been the failure to collect adequate revenue from the fuel levy, which is the RFA’s primary source of income. The levy, charged on fuel consumed by motor vehicles, is meant to finance road maintenance and infrastructure development, including the construction of toll gates.

He said reduced fuel consumption, coupled with economic pressures affecting motorists and transport operators, has negatively impacted revenue collection, making it difficult for the institution to meet its infrastructure targets.

The RFA has since indicated that it is exploring alternative financing options and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that critical road infrastructure projects are not completely halted.

The toll gates are part of government’s broader strategy to raise funds for road maintenance and reduce reliance on donor funding. However, the latest development highlights the growing impact of economic challenges on public infrastructure projects.