ZINARA’s Dema Toll Plaza Upgrade: A New Era in Tolling Efficiency

ZIMBABWE National Roads Authority (ZINARA) is making significant strides in transforming the country’s tolling infrastructure by constructing a new Dema Toll Plaza along the Chitungwiza-Wedza highway.

The project is progressing on schedule, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of the year.

The modern six-lane toll plaza will replace the existing two-lane system, designed to handle increasing traffic volumes. Two lanes will feature an e-tag system, providing motorists with added convenience.

According to ZINARA, the upgrade will reduce congestion and provide a faster, more convenient experience for motorists.

The toll plaza will boast a range of features, including a durable canopy, enhanced lighting, safety signage, rumble strips, and a three-tier backup power system to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Additionally, a 24/7 vehicle licensing office will be incorporated into the plaza, allowing motorists to license their vehicles at any time of the day.

This innovative approach aims to improve licensing compliance and alleviate the burden on existing licensing centers.

ZINARA said, “Motorists will benefit from the convenience of licensing their vehicles at the toll plaza, significantly improving compliance and reducing the burden on existing licensing centers.”

Significant progress has been made on the project, with the canopy structure already completed and administration offices under construction. Civil works, lane demarcations, and system installations are set to begin in the coming weeks.

The relocation of the Dema Tollgate in Mashonaland East, further south along the Harare-Hwedza Road, is part of a wider government plan to ease the financial burden on commuters from peri-urban areas.

The move addresses concerns from residents who felt the tollgate was unfairly placed, forcing locals to pay tolls twice a day.

ZINARA emphasized that upgrading Dema is about preparing for the future, ensuring that systems keep pace with growing traffic to support the country’s road development agenda.

Once operational, the Dema toll plaza will mark a new standard in tolling efficiency and revenue security.