Minister Mhona Commissions Expanded Norton Toll Plaza

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona, yesterday officially commissioned the newly expanded Norton Toll Plaza.

The upgraded toll plaza is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve the flow of vehicles, speed up transactions, and save time for road users. It will also enhance revenue collection to support road maintenance and infrastructure development, contributing to overall economic growth.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Mhona said the Government is working to transform toll plazas from simple revenue collection points into multi-purpose service centres.

“Under a new post-crash management programme, ambulances and medical personnel will be stationed at strategic toll plazas such as Norton.

This will allow for quicker emergency response and help injured accident victims receive medical attention within the critical golden hour,” Minister Mhona said.

The Minister added that toll plazas often become centres of economic activity, attracting businesses and services that benefit surrounding communities.

Looking to the future, Hon. Mhona challenged ZINARA and his Ministry to move towards All-Electronic Tolling (AET) systems. The proposed system will use modern technologies such as high-speed cameras, 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and RFID, allowing vehicles to pay toll fees without stopping.

“The Government’s commitment to transparency and the use of modern electronic systems to reduce revenue losses, restore public confidence, and ensure toll revenues are used directly for road maintenance and development,” he added.

The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Mashonaland West, Hon. Marian Chombo; Permanent Secretary Engineer J.P. Makumbe; ZINARA Board Chairperson Mr. G. Manyaya; ZINARA Chief Executive Officer Mr. N. Ncube; and other government officials.