‘Weighbridges key to saving road infrastructure’

Andile Tshuma, Zimpapers Writer

STAKEHOLDERS have called on the Government to install weighbridges on all major highways to curb the movement of heavy cargo by road and encourage greater use of rail transport, warning that failure to act could lead to rapid deterioration of the country’s roads.

The call was made during a Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRI) indaba held in Bulawayo last Thursday.

The indaba brought together policymakers, development practitioners, and industry experts to discuss various economic development issues, particularly illicit financial flows.

Development finance and economic practitioner Mr Zibusiso Mkhwananzi highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, cautioning that without strict penalties on overloaded trucks, the road could quickly fall back into a deplorable state.

“We cannot continue to rebuild highways only to watch them destroyed by heavy trucks. The Government must enforce weight limits through fully functional weighbridges. This is about protecting our roads and saving lives,” Mr Mkhwananzi said.

He added that weighbridges are critical not only for protecting road infrastructure but also for ensuring passenger safety. Overloaded trucks have been linked to an increase in road accidents.

“Every overloaded truck on our highways is a ticking time bomb for commuters. Proper monitoring will not only preserve infrastructure but also save lives,” he said.

Mr Mkhwananzi urged the Government to shift bulk cargo to rail, noting that the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) remains a vital yet under-utilised resource.

This call echoes recent remarks by Speaker of the National Assembly, who has been vocal about the urgent need to revive NRZ to protect the country’s road networks.

“Reviving NRZ is not optional; it is essential. A functional railway reduces pressure on our roads, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy. Without it, our highways, particularly in Bulawayo, will continue to deteriorate under heavy freight traffic,” Adv Mudenda said.

He urged parliamentarians and policymakers to support measures that incentivise rail use and regulate road freight through weighbridges and strict penalties for overloaded vehicles.

Indaba participants stressed that adopting these measures is crucial to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure, protecting commuters, and ensuring that the nation’s road and rail networks operate efficiently in support of economic growth.