Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
ANY truck found to be overloaded on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, or any other major highway, will, with immediate effect, be subject to severe penalties and fines as prescribed by the country’s laws, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development said on Thursday.
In a statement, the Ministry said: “This serves as a formal notice to all motorists and transport operators regarding the strict enforcement of axle load regulations on Zimbabwe’s major highways, with immediate effect,” said the Ministry.
“The recent significant investments in our national road infrastructure, including the ongoing Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project, are vital for economic growth, tourism and public safety. To protect this critical infrastructure and ensure its longevity, there will be zero tolerance for overloaded vehicles.”
The Ministry stressed that the enforcement exercise was designed to safeguard massive national investments under the Second Republic’s infrastructure modernisation drive, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa.
“Heavy Fines: Any truck found to be overloaded on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, or any other major highway, will be subject to severe penalties and fines as prescribed by the country’s laws,” the statement read.
“Nationwide Enforcement: This enforcement is not limited to the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls corridor. It applies to all major highways across Zimbabwe to preserve the national road network.”
The announcement comes as contractors working on the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway are expected to open up some of the newly completed sections to traffic.
The Ministry noted that overloading has been a major contributor to the deterioration of road surfaces, resulting in costly maintenance and endangering the lives of road users.
“Overloading severely damages road surfaces, leading to premature potholes, structural failures, and increased public expenditure on repairs. It also poses a serious safety risk to all road users,” the Ministry said.
Transport operators and drivers were urged to strictly comply with the stipulated axle load limits.
“We urge all transport operators and drivers to comply with stipulated axle load limits. Regular checkpoints and weighbridges will be operational to ensure adherence,” the Ministry added.
The Government has invested heavily in road rehabilitation projects nationwide under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP II), and the enforcement of load regulations will help preserve the lifespan of these key transport arteries, ensuring the country’s infrastructure continues to support trade, tourism and economic development.
Sidumisile Mabena