Zim GBC News | Parliamentary Affairs
BULAWAYO — A proposal by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda to erect additional tollgates in Matabeleland North has sparked widespread criticism, with activists and political figures accusing him of endorsing the economic exploitation of a marginalized region.
Mudenda made the suggestion during a recent pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo, arguing that increasing the number of tollgates—including five between Bulawayo and Hwange and two between Cross-Dete and Binga—would generate revenue for road construction in the province.
The call, however, has backfired, drawing sharp rebukes from those who say the region needs comprehensive development and revenue-sharing from its vast natural resources, not more tolls.
Mqondisi Moyo, leader of the Mthwakazi Republic Party, lambasted Mudenda for his selective advocacy.
“His proposal, framed as a fundraising initiative, highlights a government mindset more focused on extracting money from Matabeleland than developing it,” Moyo said.
“It is deeply disheartening that Mudenda, himself from the region, finds comfort in proposing additional tollgates on roads that remain among the poorest in Zimbabwe.”
He further highlighted the region’s paradox of wealth and poverty, stating,
“Matabeleland North is one of Zimbabwe’s richest provinces in natural resources, yet one of the least developed. The region boasts vast deposits of coal, methane gas, timber, gold… yet beyond its mineral wealth, it is home to some of the world’s greatest natural treasures.”
Echoing these sentiments, educationist and Gukurahundi survivor Ben Moyo questioned the transparency of existing toll revenue.
“I think the fewer the toll gates the better, because we even do not know where the money generated by those tollgates is going,” he said.
“I would like to see the devolution of those funds. Funds generated by tollgates in a certain province must be ploughed back to that province in full.”
Former Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo also weighed in, stating simply that the current Speaker was “offside” with his proposal, underscoring the political divisiveness of the issue.
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