By OLIVER SAMBOKO
GOVERNMENT should allow local authorities to run toll gates in their jurisdiction to generate more revenue for road network maintenance which will allow easy access to tour sites, says a tourism expert Rose Musonda.
She said the collection of toll fees needed to be left to local authorities to allow for effective operation of councils and service delivery.
Ms Musonda said for a long time the tourism sector had been calling on Government to find ways of empowering local authorities with a view of improving service delivery because without good roads, the sector could not flourish.
“Without a good road network, especially to tour sites, tourism cannot survive because no tourist would want to visit an area with inaccessible roads,” she said.
Ms Musonda said the new government should put in place modalities that will allow local authorities to collect toll fees if the decentralisation policy is to succeed.
She noted that according to the amended constitution, local authorities should manage toll fees and also collect motor vehicle licensing fees.
“This will enable the local authorities to service roads that leads to tour sites but also allow for the rehabilitation of township roads, which are important in attracting tourists and visitors,” Ms Musonda said.
