Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT is finalising the Road Accident Fund Bill to provide financial compensation and emergency support to victims of road traffic accidents, as authorities intensify measures to reduce fatalities ahead of the Easter and Independence holidays.
The development was announced during the national launch of the 2026 Easter and Independence Road Safety Awareness and Enforcement Campaign held at Gwebi College on Thursday.
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the country recorded more than 59 000 road traffic accidents between January and December last year, prompting Government to strengthen road safety interventions.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, said the proposed legislation is at an advanced stage following nationwide consultations.
“Under the Visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson` Mnangagwa, we continue to do more on the policy front. As we speak, the development of post-crash-management legislation, in the form of the Road Accident Fund Bill, is at an advanced stage. We conducted consultations in all ten provinces of the country, where we received overwhelming support for the Bill from stakeholders and members of the public.
“This legislation seeks to provide evacuation services to all road traffic accident victims arising from injury or death caused by a road traffic accident; provide medical or funeral assistance arising from injury or death caused by a road traffic accident up to a prescribed amount; and investigate and settle claims arising from injury or death caused by a road traffic accident,” he said.
Key stakeholders, including the TSCZ, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, public transport operators and passengers, concurred that road safety is a collective responsibility.
“As the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, we are deeply concerned by the continued loss of lives on our roads. Road safety is not the responsibility of one institution alone, but a shared obligation among motorists, passengers, pedestrians and all stakeholders. We urge drivers to exercise caution, avoid speeding and fatigue, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy at all times, especially during the holiday period,” Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Board Chairperson, Mr Kura Sibanda said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will intensify roadblocks, patrols and enforcement throughout the Easter and Independence holidays to ensure compliance with traffic laws. We will not hesitate to take action against reckless drivers, including those who speed, overload or drive under the influence of alcohol. We are appealing to all road users to cooperate with law enforcement officers and prioritise safety at all times,” National Spokesperson, Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner Paul Nyati said.
“As public transport operators, we have a duty to safeguard the lives of our passengers. We are calling on all operators and drivers to adhere to set regulations, avoid overloading and respect speed limits. Passengers also have a role to play by speaking out against dangerous driving practices. Together, we can create a safer road environment for everyone,” Zimbabwe Public Transport Organisation Chairperson, Dr Samson Nhanhanga said.
As the Easter and Independence holidays approach, motorists are being implored to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations and prioritise safety on the roads, with authorities stressing that responsible driving can significantly reduce accidents and save lives.
Meanwhile, Honourable Mhona also revealed that government has availed funding for the rehabilitation of the Chirundu-Harare highway.
“We are making use of Public-Private Partnerships under a Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement to rehabilitate the Chirundu-Harare highway. In the meantime, contractors are already on the ground carrying out routine maintenance on identified danger spots. We expect to see significant progress starting from June. I would also like to thank His Excellency President Mnangagwa for responding to this critical infrastructure need. In addition, plans are underway to modernise the Chirundu Border Post to match the standards set at Beitbridge,” he said.
The event was commemorated under the theme: “Watch the Kilometre Ahead,” which serves as an emotional reminder of the journeys people undertake, both literally and figuratively. It emphasises that every kilometre represents lives, families and futures, calling on road users to remain careful, responsible and vigilant to ensure everyone arrives safely.
