Public transport operators to protest against toll gate fees

By Joseph Dumbula Government and owners of public minibuses are tussling on matters to do with the tollgate with government insisting fees will not be reduced as its been proposed. From tomorrow, the drivers will be staging a nationwide stay away to force government to reduce the access fees at the newly introduced tollgate at Chingeni in Ntcheu. But government has announced today that its decision will not change. The Roads Fund Administration (RFA) announced the implementation of toll fees which range from K1 700 (USD 2.08) per pass, depending on the size of the vehicle. ‘’People should understand that these fees are final and that the money will be put for good use’’ said Gospel Kazako, Minister of Information. Previously, government stated that the fees are on the lower side compared to countries within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region. Meanwhile, Minibus Owners Association of Malawi leader Coxley Kamange has said they will proceed to hold the stay away so that their concerns are addressed. Likely, this will impact people who use various modes of public transport to travel to work and business places.