Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining order on the country’s roads and curbing road traffic accidents through the commissioning of operational vehicles for the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).
Commissioned this Friday, the equipment includes a fleet of operational vehicles, roller brake testers, and breathalysers, all aimed at strengthening the Vehicle Inspectorate Department’s capacity to effectively carry out its mandate.
“The operational vehicles will enable our inspectors to be more agile, extending their reach into remote and underserved areas, and to conduct more spontaneous and effective roadside inspections. This mobility is a force multiplier in our campaign against rickety, unroadworthy vehicles that pose a danger to all who share our roads,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said.
“Further, we have the advanced brake roller testers. The brake system is arguably the most critical safety component of any vehicle. These testers provide objective, data-driven, and irrefutable evidence of a vehicle’s braking capability. They eliminate guesswork, preventing corruption, and ensuring that every vehicle that passes through our inspection stations meets a stringent, scientifically verified standard. Our inspectorate will now be able to conduct more inspections with greater accuracy and in less time. This means reduced waiting times for commercial drivers and private motorists, contributing to a more productive economy.”
With this equipment now in place, stakeholders are confident that the upcoming festive season will be accident-free.
“We are happy that the government has commissioned this equipment and we are happy that this will go a long way in reducing road traffic accidents,” Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators’ Secretary General Mr Ngoni Katsvairo noted.
“The coming in of these tour trucks will help in bringing sanity because there are a number of vehicles which are being left dumped on our roads. Breathalysers are also going to curb the issue of those people who drive under the influence of drug and substance abuse,” Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust’s national chairperson, Mr Shalva Chikomba added.
“Today, the government has commissioned this equipment, which is critical in bringing sanity to our roads. We have been facing challenges of drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol, so, if they are being tested, we are convinced of a reduction in road traffic accidents,” Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators’ president, Mr Fredrick Maguramhinga stated.
The installation of surveillance cameras at traffic intersections, construction of new roads and refurbishment of old infrastructure, are some of the measures being implemented by government to improve road safety.
