Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Zimpapers Reporter
THE Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development would this week embark on national public consultations on the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill.
The Bill seeks to establish a Fund meant to compensate victims of road accidents across the country amid shocking statistics that show that the country experiences a road traffic crash every 15 minutes, resulting in over 35 000 accidents annually and over 1 500 lives lost.
In a latest statement, the ministry said the consultations will take off at a local hotel in Marondera, Mashonaland East, on Thursday and spread to other parts of the country.
“The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development hereby invites all members of the public to participate in stakeholder consultations on the proposed RAF Bill,” reads the statement.
“This is your opportunity to contribute your views and help shape this important legislation.”
From Marondera, the consultations will move to Mutare on Friday at the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe office,s with Masvingo’s Junior High School being the venue on Saturday.
Bindura Primary School will be the venue for the consultations on Monday next week, with the ministry wrapping up its programme in the resort city of Victoria Falls.
According to Dr Clifford Gobo, a certified road safety practitioner with research interests in transport infrastructure finance and economics, by removing financial uncertainty, the RAF would allow responders to act immediately, without waiting for insurers or families to confirm payment, more so as the country’s insurance system often delays treatment as parties argue over liability.
“The RAF ensures that every victim receives care immediately, vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, passengers, and cyclists are protected, and hospitals can admit patients without demanding upfront payment. This approach aligns with global best practice and reduces administrative bottlenecks,” said Dr Gobo in an article published by Zimpapers recently.
He said the interventions directly reduce mortality and long-term disability, aligning Zimbabwe with WHO recommendations on post crash care.
Dr Gobo said medical experts refer to the first 60 minutes after a crash as the Golden Hour — the window during which rapid medical intervention dramatically increases survival chances, adding that research shows that victims treated within this period have survival rates of up to 80 percent while delays often lead to irreversible damage or death.
“In Zimbabwe, the Golden Hour is frequently lost due to slow ambulance dispatch, lack of fuel or functional vehicles, payment disputes, delayed hospital admission and poor co-ordination among responders. The RAF directly targets these failures by guaranteeing immediate funding for evacuation and emergency care,” said Dr Gobo.
He said by covering medical costs for crash victims, the RAF would reduce uncompensated care, free up hospital resources and enable investment in trauma infrastructure.
The proposed funding model for the RAF includes 35 percent of third-party insurance premiums, possible levies on vehicle imports, “sin taxes” on alcohol and cigarettes and a share of traffic fines.
“This diversified revenue base mirrors global public health financing models and reduces pressure on the national budget,” said Dr Gobo.
He said the RAF is not a unique concept to Zimbabwe only.
Namibia’s Motor Vehicle Accident Fund significantly reduced road crash mortality by investing in ambulance fleets, trauma centres, and rehabilitation services, while in South Africa RAF improved access to emergency care, though sustainability challenges highlight the need for strong governance and actuarial discipline and in New Zealand’s system, one of the world’s most successful no-fault models, demonstrates how such funds can reduce litigation, improve public health outcomes, and enhance social protection.
“Zimbabwe’s RAF incorporates many of these lessons while introducing safeguards such as capped benefits and diversified funding,” said Dr Gobo.
