Finance authorities under The Roads Fund Administration (RFA) are this week expected to release tariffs to be used in the country’s toll gate plazas, before rolling out the tolling system.

RFA Spokesperson Masauko Ngwaluko has confirmed the development.

The government is constructing two toll gates on the M1 Road, at Chingeni in Balaka district and Kalinyeke in Dedza district as one way of maximizing revenue collection for improving the road network in the country.

According to Ngwaluko, the first plaza is set to be operational in July, as completion of works is at over 90%.

Ngwaluko further indicated that Chingeni plaza whose construction started on December 13, 2020, and has cost the government K2 billion is almost complete, and currently, installation of IT equipment and other internal equipment is underway.

While, the Kalinyeke Tollgate was earmarked for completion by February 2 this year and was initially budgeted for K2.2 billion, but the cost was raised due to the redesigning of the office block and the canopy, a development that delayed the completion of the project.

He however revealed that they await the authorities to set tariffs on different vehicles, according to the size and frequency of road use.

Toll fees are charged to help compensate for the cost of road maintenance. The amount usually varies with type of vehicle, weight, or number of axles.