GOVERNMENT RE-DIRECTS RSL ADMINISTRATION FEES TO ROAD FUND BOOSTING SERVICE DELIVERY FOR ROAD USERS.

The administration and collection of toll-gate fees will be transferred from Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) to the Road Fund with effect from July 01, a move expected to improve efficiency and service delivery for road users.

The announcement was made by spokespersons of both institutions, who said the transfer is intended to streamline the management of toll-gate fees and provide road users and transport operators with a more coordinated service.

Road Fund Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Phumla Moleko, said the transfer will consolidate the collection, administration and customer service functions related to toll-gate fees under one institution.

She said the arrangement will provide stakeholders with a central point of engagement on toll-related matters while improving administrative coordination within the road financing system.

Mrs. Moleko indicated that the Road Fund will assume full responsibility for the collection of toll-gate fees at all designated border facilities, administration and management of toll revenue, customer service related to toll-fee payments, as well as reporting and accountability on the utilisation of toll revenue in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

RSL Public Relations Manager, Ms. Ts’epang Mncina, said both organisations are working closely to ensure that all operational, technological and administrative arrangements are completed before the effective date.

She noted that the transition has been carefully planned to safeguard service delivery and maintain operational continuity at all toll points.

Ms. Mncina emphasised that existing toll-fee structures will remain unchanged unless otherwise communicated through official channels.

She said the Road Fund and RSL remain committed to supporting government’s efforts to strengthen public financial management, improve service delivery and ensure sustainable financing of road infrastructure for the benefit of Basotho.

Ms. Mncina further clarified that the transfer is being implemented in line with the legislative and policy framework governing road user charges in Lesotho, under which the Road Fund is mandated to mobilise, manage and account for revenues dedicated to road maintenance and development.

Meanwhile, RSL has administered the collection of toll-gate fees for more than 15 years and has worked closely with the Road Fund to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of the function.

Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]