Gumbo backtracks on toll gates for MPs

Transport Minister Joram Gumbo has backtracked on his statement last week that Members of Parliament should pay toll gates saying that it was no true that he ever said they should.

Gumbo was reported by the state-controlled Herald as saying:  “I am pleading with you MPs and councillors to stop writing letters seeking exemption to pay toll fees. The government position is that you should pay the fees like what other motorists are doing. Your letters will not be entertained…

“This culture of not wanting to pay for services should be done away with if we are to develop as a country. People must pay so that they get the good services they want.”

Asked in Parliament on Wednesday whether what they read in the paers was true or not, Gumbo responded: “Hon. Speaker we did not mention that Members of Parliament should pay toll gates.  They have an exemption which is effected by ZINARA.  If there is any information pertaining to that, it is not true they do not pay at toll gates.”

Q &A:

*HON. MATUKE: Thank you Mr. Speaker.  I direct my question to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development concerning the Members of Parliament.  They are supposed to pay toll gates when they are doing their duties in their constituencies.  Most of the Members of Parliament when travelling are representing the Government and they will be helping the constituents so we want the Minister to explain if what came out in the papers is true?

*THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO): Thank you Mr. Speaker for the question asked by Hon. Matuke.  Hon. Speaker we did not mention that Members of Parliament should pay toll gates.  They have an exemption which is effected by ZINARA.  If there is any information pertaining to that, it is not true they do not pay at toll gates.

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