Story by Fungai Jachi
MASVINGO residents have applauded the government’s resolve to establish a comprehensive support system for accident victims, amid rising concerns over increased road traffic accidents.
Masvingo residents who participated in the public consultations exercise on the Road Traffic Fund expressed optimism about the initiative.
“We want hospitals to get something from the fund because they are the ones who attend to the injured and there has to be everything at the hospitals that cater for accident victims,” a participant said.
“The fund should cater for property damaged when an accident occurs including the car and buildings because when an accident happens, it is not just the people who get injured, but the surroundings as well,” another participant added.
“We appreciate the intentions of the government because accident victims tend to suffer a lot, but with this fund, we expect that they will get all the necessary help on time,” a resident noted.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe’s Managing Director, Mr Isheunesu Munodawafa said the contributions made will help in the formulation of how the fund will be used, emphasising that the bill is still in the formulation stage, with the fund set to come into use after the law is enacted.
“It is imperative to understand how critical the consultations are as we move to ensure that accident victims get help. We should take note that the bill is still being crafted and not yet in use. The contributions being made countrywide will help formulate this long-awaited bill.”
The public consultations which will help in the formulation of the Road Accident Fund Bill are being held countrywide.
The Bill seeks to provide timely medical care, cover funeral expenses and offer compensation to the injured and families of the deceased, fundamentally reforming post-crash response.
