Dennis Lobuntu Ndlovu|Zim GBC News
Parliamentarians have voiced serious concerns over the worsening road safety situation, urging swift government action to enhance enforcement measures after revelations that nearly 2,000 lives are lost each year due to traffic accidents.
In Wednesday’s Question and Answer session, Transport Minister Felix Mhona presented a stark assessment, blaming the majority of crashes on reckless driving, speeding, impatience, and an increasing number of inexperienced public transport operators.
Mhona informed lawmakers that the government has already purchased speed detection devices and breathalysers to target drivers who operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We recognise that there are individuals who drive under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances substances”, said Mhona
“We collaborate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, as well as the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), who are expected to patrol the roads”.
“Yet, accidents sometimes occur shortly after passing those checkpoints,” Mhona explained.
The new regulations require drivers to be older than 30 years to qualify, changing from the previous minimum age limits of 21 or 25.
CCC MP Miriam Matinenga expressed worries about unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles freely operating on the nation’s roads.
“Some individuals are driving without licences. Additionally, what is the government’s stance on ensuring all vehicles are registered because there are reports of drivers operating vehicles without registration numbers?” Matinenga inquired.
Mhona emphasised that existing laws mandate all vehicles to be registered and insured before use on public roads and warned that enforcement efforts would be intensified.
Meanwhile, Marondera Central legislator Caston Matewu called for reforms within the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), criticising the organisation as “toothless.”
“When drivers encounter the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, which operates numerous roadblocks nationwide, they often mock it because it lacks effectiveness.
“What is the government’s plan to empower the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe so it can impose penalties on drivers?” Matewu questioned.
In reply, Mhona stated that Parliament holds the authority to reinforce the TSCZ through legislation and confirmed that steps to grant the council full enforcement powers are already in progress.
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