Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
TRANSPORT operators and legislators have unanimously welcomed the Government’s crackdown on drunk driving, following the handover of over 100 state-of-the-art breathalysers to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The equipment, acquired by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), is set for immediate deployment on the country’s major highways.
The initiative signals a stern warning to motorists who drink and drive, particularly ahead of the festive season, a period traditionally marred by a spike in road accidents.
The rollout includes 100 breathalysers, 15 breathalyser printers and 1 000 disposable breathing apparatus. It is further bolstered by a new fleet of 18 operational vehicles for the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, marking the first large-scale use of modern road safety enforcement technology in Zimbabwe.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, assured the public that the gadgets would be put to good use.
“The beauty of this initiative is that it is meant to save lives and promote order on the road,” he said.
“We are all aware of the tragic statistics of deaths caused by accidents. These incidents impose a heavy cost on our health delivery system, rehabilitation of the injured, and the economy. We want to be a normal society, and I can assure you that the ZRP will put this equipment to good use.”
The move has been widely praised by stakeholders. The chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, Cde Tawanda Karikoga, applauded the ministry for its efforts to bring sanity to the roads.
Harare Central Constituency legislator, Mr Lovemore Jimu, suggested expanding the deployment.
“We have noted with concern that at some bus terminuses and ranks, people are selling drugs and alcohol,” he said.
“We hope that police will also be deployed at these areas to test drivers before they embark on any journey.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Dr Sam Nhanhanga, chairman of the Zimbabwe Public Transport Organisation, described the move as a “positive step” long overdue in the fight against road carnage.
Mr Frederick Maguramhinga, president of the Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators, called the event a “turning point.”
“This brings about accuracy, transparency and justice in the implementation of road traffic rules. The days of lawlessness on our roads are numbered.”
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement, further training, and embracing technology to make roads safer for everyone.
