Staff Writer
The government has introduced new toll fees of up to US$315 for commercial vehicles passing through the Chirundu Border Post, with payments required exclusively in United States dollars under new regulations gazetted last Friday.
The charges were introduced through Statutory Instrument 154 of 2026 as part of the Chirundu Border Post Modernisation Project being implemented by Chirundu Border Consortium (Private) Limited.
Under the new regulations, abnormal-load vehicles will pay US$315, goods vehicles US$150 and heavy vehicles US$100, excluding value-added tax (VAT).
Coaches carrying more than 24 passengers will be charged US$50, while minibuses with seating capacities of between eight and 24 passengers will pay US$32.
Passenger vehicles will attract a US$22 toll fee, although the regulations specifically authorise the collection of project tolls from commercial vehicles.
However, the new charges will not take effect immediately. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is expected to announce the commencement date through a separate general notice.
The statutory instrument states that the regulations will come into operation on a date determined by the minister, corresponding with the commencement of operations at the modernised Chirundu Border Post.
The government has also declared roads within the Chirundu Border Post Modernisation Project area to be toll roads under the Toll Roads Act.
Chirundu Border Consortium has been authorised to collect the project tolls from commercial vehicles passing through the Chirundu Border Customs Area.
The regulations stipulate that drivers or persons in charge of commercial vehicles must pay the applicable fees in United States dollars at a designated office within the customs area.
In addition to the toll charges, motorists will be required to pay parking fees ranging from US$10 to US$40 per day or part thereof, depending on the category of vehicle.
The regulations provide exemptions for Zimbabwean and Zambian border officials, as well as government vehicles travelling on official business.
Chirundu is one of Zimbabwe’s major commercial border crossings, linking the country with Zambia and serving as an important route for regional trade and the movement of goods.
The modernisation project is intended to upgrade infrastructure and improve services within and around the border post.
However, the statutory instrument does not specify the duration of the concession granted to Chirundu Border Consortium or how revenue collected from the toll fees will be shared.
The effective date of the new charges will be confirmed through a separate government notice.