Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has finalised the procurement of breathalysers and speed cameras, which will be used by the police to curb carnage on major roads countrywide.
This move is being done by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said his ministry was working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) through coordinated joint operations.
“The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), in partnership with the ZRP, has finalised technical specifications for the procurement of speed cameras to improve monitoring and compliance,” he said.
“These measures will strengthen the culture of road discipline, reduce accidents, and enhance public safety across the transport network.
“Road safety in Zimbabwe remains a critical concern, with rising incidents of road crashes affecting lives and livelihoods.”
He said the Government has prioritised road safety as a national development issue, aligning efforts with: SADC Road Safety Action Plan, the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) — transitioning soon to NDS2.
Minister Mhona said these frameworks emphasise urgent, coordinated action to reduce accidents and improve public safety.
“Over 94 percent of road accidents in Zimbabwe are attributed to human error,” Minister Mhona said.
“In response, TSCZ has partnered with State institutions to implement targeted interventions: Procured evidential breathalysers and breathalyser printers; and rollout and handover to ZRP.”
He said the ministry has proposed the creation of a Road Accident Fund and the Cabinet has approved the guiding principles for the fund.
He said the ministry is also working on a law to transform the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe from being a mere traffic safety promotional institution to a Road Traffic Safety Agency, with the Inspectorate armed with the powers to arrest, issue tickets, investigate accidents and proffer recommendations to eliminate recurrence.
Meanwhile, police have urged motorists to exercise caution and obey traffic rules and regulations to avoid road carnage, especially during this period.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reiterated that motorists should avoid speeding to safeguard human lives.
“Drivers are encouraged to inspect the condition of their vehicle tyres, including the spare wheel, to ensure that they are in good condition and properly inflated to avoid road accidents,” he said.
“Drivers should also check that windscreen wipers are functioning effectively, especially during the rainy season, to maintain clear visibility.
“Additionally, any cracked or broken wind screens should be promptly repaired or replaced, as they can significantly impair vision and increase the risk of accidents.”
Comm Nyathi said as the country approaches the festive season, the vehicle owners and drivers are implored to quickly remove all broken down vehicles on the roads and assist to promote road safety.
“Above all, it is in the interest of road safety for all vehicles to be regularly serviced and certified fit to be travelling on the roads,” he said.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility by all Zimbabweans. Therefore, passengers in Public Service Vehicles should play a key role by reporting reckless and errant drivers on the roads. Passengers should not be harassed or threatened by drivers or conductors whilst their safety is at stake.
“During this rain period, drivers should not attempt to cross flooded rivers and bridges. The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to be responsible and work closely with law enforcement agents to curb road traffic accidents.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa