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Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe is committed to the mitigation of climate change and the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure
since the transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said this on Wednesday when he addressed a ministerial
session during the International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress 2024 in Istanbul, Turkiye.
Minister Mhona is leading a Government delegation attending the congress.
The congress, which started on Wednesday and ends on October 18, is being held under the theme ‘Connecting to Empower
Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for all’.
Minister Mhona is accompanied by Zinara board chairperson Dr George Manyaya, Zinara chief executive Mr Nkosinathi
Ncube, Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Council board chairman Mr Kura Sibanda and managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa.
Ambassador of Zimbabwe in Türkiye, Mr Alfred Mutiwazuka, and officials from other countries are also attending the congress.
In his speech, Minister Mhona applauded Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for hosting the conference and said
cooperation with the IRF is crucial for Zimbabwe as it promotes her engagement and re-engagement drive that is being
championed by President Mnangagwa’s administration.
“On accelerating decarbonisation and strengthening resilience of road transportation, Zimbabwe continues to be guided by the
collective aspirations contained in key United Nations instruments such as the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC),” he said.
“We remain committed to various resolutions on the synergies between the transport sector and climate change mitigation, and
the need to develop resilient and sustainable infrastructure. We take cognisance of the reality that globally, transport is a major
emitter of greenhouse gas emissions at 23 percent of such emissions.
“The exponential growth of vehicle populations has piled unprecedented pressure on our road infrastructures, causing
downstream negative effects such as traffic congestion, air, water, land and noise pollution, GHG emissions, road accidents and
fatalities, health hazards, safety and security issues, insufficient infrastructure and financial resources, among others.”
He said the risk was further compounded by the magnitude and frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather patterns
witnessed in recent decades.
“In Zimbabwe, we are not aloof to these challenges. We have developed the Climate Change Policy, the Energy Renewable
Policy, and the National Climate Change Response Strategy.
“Currently, we are developing the requisite legal framework with the view to harness commitment from all actors.
“To align with global trends, we are in the process of developing the National Electric Mobility Policy, a framework towards the
adoption, use and disposal of electric vehicles in the country.
“With regards to resilient and climate-proofed infrastructure, we have already adopted verified climate-proofed construction
materials, which can withstand the vagaries of climate change.”
He said they are working flat out to integrate climate change strategies into national transport policies, and raise awareness
about climate change on how it affects road transport and safety in particular, and transportation in general.
He said a 900-kilometre highway from Zimbabwe’s border with South Africa to the border with Zambia will be widened and
refurbished using modern methods of construction to guarantee sustainable and resilient infrastructures.
“As the effects of climate change continue to affect everyone, this should be the basis for greater urgency, stronger action and
effective accountability. While our efforts may be constrained, primarily because of limited capacities, we need smart and
progressive partnerships in finance and technical transfer.
“As we leave no one and no place behind, we need to commit to these matters and sensitise our countries on climate change. A
collective approach remains a clear and holistic pathway towards reduction of emissions in our transportation models,” he said.
Online Reporter