Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba in BULAWAYO
THE launch of public consultations on the Road Accident Fund Bill, which is designed to provide timely medical aid, funeral expenses and compensation to victims of road traffic accidents and their families, was held in Bulawayo yesterday.
The launch comes after Cabinet approved principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill in June this year.
The fund is expected to provide appropriate emergency treatment, medical and funeral expenses for road traffic accident victims across the country.
It will be mainly funded from motor vehicle insurance premiums.
The Bill seeks to ensure safe and sustainable transport, as well as reduce road traffic accident deaths and injuries by 2030.
The launch is being attended by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe board chairperson Mr Kura Sibanda, who is representing Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona; the council’s managing director, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, who is representing the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe; officials from the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services; as well as officials from various ministries, including the Attorney-General’s Office.
Consultations began in Bulawayo yesterday, while subsequent engagements are scheduled for Gwanda (Tuesday), Gweru (Wednesday) and Chinhoyi (Thursday).
Addressing journalists at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare in June, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Road Accident Fund also seeks to address gaps in the current post-accident management frameworks in insurance companies.
“Cabinet received and approved principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill,” Dr Muswere said.
“The main objective of the Road Accident Fund Bill, which will emerge from the principles, is to reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030 through access to safe, affordable and sustainable transport systems as well as improving road safety for all.
“The Road Accident Fund Bill seeks to address the current post-accident management framework, with the existing insurance packages lacking provision for immediate evacuation of accident survivors to medical facilities.
“Emergency services providers are reluctant to provide medical services in instances when payment for service is not guaranteed.”
Dr Muswere said the fund will also enhance the capacity of emergency service providers and medical institutions to effectively respond to road traffic accidents.
“The current liability cover is inadequate to cater for medical and funeral expenses. The Road Accident Fund will place greater focus on enhanced responsiveness to post-crash emergencies to improve the ability of health and related systems to offer appropriate emergency treatment and longer-term rehabilitation for accident victims,” he said.
“The Fund will provide immediate recourse to medical and funeral expenses, and enhance the capacity of emergency services providers and medical institutions to effectively respond to road accidents to save lives.
“The Road Accident Fund will be funded from motor vehicle insurance premiums and any other such funds appropriated by Treasury.”
In the 2024 National Budget presentation, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube proposed that third-party motor insurance be administered by the Government to ensure that road traffic accident victims adequately and timeously receive medical attention as well as compensation.
Third-party motor vehicle insurance is compulsory and is issued in compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
Currently, the third-party motor vehicle insurance is covered by private players and offers death, injury and property damage protection to passengers and other road users involved in road traffic accidents.
Tinaye Agere