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Fungai Lupande
Mash Central Bureau
As a result of many accidents happening in the country, the Government is finalising legislation which will see buses being governed not to exceed 100km per hour in line with SADC protocols.
The Statutory Instruments are now with the Attorney-General’s Office and will be published soon.
Under the new law a minimum age of bus drivers and required experience will be considered.
These and other stringent laws are expected to reduce road carnage as bus drivers continue to flout road regulations and rules.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said these measures are in line with regional laws.
Through the Second Republic Zimbabwe joined other SADC countries in having a biometric drivers’ licence with holders’ information.
The licence will be launched next week on June 19 and will flush out fake licences as well as clearing the backlog.
Speaking during a visit to Mt Darwin Hospital where victims of a CAG bus accident along Mt Darwin-Mukumbura highway which claimed seven lives are admitted, Minister Mhona said carnage on major highways is on the increase.
He commended the spirit of love and caring for one another during such incidents.
“The loss of life is regrettable especially when we are going into elections. Those who are maimed during accidents sometimes fail to continue fending for their families,” he said.
“We thank President Mnangagwa for his efforts in rehabilitation and construction of roads.
“Some of the roads are in a bad state, but it is our responsibility to be cautious and respect life.”
Minister Mhona said he travelled with engineers, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and ZINARA officials to see whether the state of the roads is contributing to the accidents.
Minister Mhona said the Government will provide blankets to the hospital since it’s now winter.
He expressed concern over the influx of overloaded pirate taxis plying the Mt Darwin-Mukumbura route.
“Government is increasing the number of ZUPCO buses in various areas to ease transport challenges,” he said.
“Working together with the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, we are tightening roadblocks and also making use of cameras to enforce regulations.
“We are urging passengers to value their lives and desist from boarding pirate taxis which pose risk of accidents and robbery.”
Mr Charles Xavier Sankulane from Mozambique who sustained injuries in the accident thanked President Mnangagwa for sending an envoy to see them.
“I was going to Goora to attend church when the accident happened and I had to look for church members because I have no relatives in Zimbabwe.
“It is very comforting to see the overwhelming love and care that we are receiving despite being from another country.
“This has shown that the President loves his people, obrigado.”
The District Development Coordinator Mr White Nkoma said the Mt-Darwin-Mukumbura highway connects to the border with Mozambique and only 36 kilometres need to be tarred.
He said 10km were awarded to a contractor, who is working on three kilometres, but is currently offsite.
“We are appealing to the Government to speed up construction of the road. This road is used by Mozambicans and Zimbabweans due to strong bilateral relations,” he said.
“A lot of buses ply this route and we urge bus drivers to be cautious to save lives. We are appealing for registration and formalisation of commuter omnibuses to flush out pirate taxis to bring order.”
Zanu PF candidate for House of Assembly for Mt Darwin, Cde Kudakwashe Mupamhanga said President Mnangagwa and the party sympathise with those who are grieving.
“All party members have come to show their support and love, as well as comfort the affected families because we are alive to challenges people face and their needs,” he said.
Online Reporter