Source: Road Accident Bill gains chiefs, public support – herald
Freeman Razemba
Zimpapers Reporter
Chiefs and citizens across Zimbabwe have welcomed the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill, a critical step toward establishing a state-backed system to support victims of road traffic accidents.
The Bill aims to provide timely medical aid, cover funeral expenses and offer compensation to the injured and families of the deceased.
Recent consultations led by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in Marondera, Mutare and Masvingo were met with strong approval from traditional leaders and stakeholders.
In Marondera, discussions revealed deep public concern for road safety and a collective desire for a robust, fair support system.
Chiefs Chinamhora and Seke voiced strong backing for the Bill while urging the Government to adopt wise, citizen-friendly funding models.
They also highlighted cultural considerations, requesting consultation before roadworks in areas with graves – which some link to accident black spots – and proposed direct deductions for the Fund from insurance premiums, along with formal inclusion in its governance.
The business community suggested diversifying revenue streams, including allocating portions of radio licence fees and levies on alcohol sales.
Chief Mutasa of Manicaland praised the initiative, but called for the parallel need to curb accidents.
“It is worrying to note that almost every week people are killed as a result of road traffic accidents caused mostly by speeding and negligent driving,” he said, calling for intensified road awareness campaigns.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe board vice chairperson Ms Lizwe Bhunu, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said that the Road Accident Fund would not operate in isolation as the Government is concurrently reviewing all road safety legislation.
“We will strengthen the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe with enforcement powers,” Minister Mhona said.
He outlined plans for digitisation, stricter monitoring of driving schools, a penalty points system for drivers and penalties for operators who use unqualified drivers.
Minister Mhona stressed that public contributions are indispensable to developing the Bill, linking the initiative to National Development Strategy and the national Vision 2030.
“This will establish an all-inclusive social safety net to survivors and victims of road crashes,” he said.
The Fund is designed to cover evacuation costs, medical and funeral expenses (with caps set by regulation) and other related claims. Its financing will be reviewed periodically in consultation with the Minister of Finance.
Consultations are set to continue in Bindura, Victoria Falls, and Harare. The proposed Fund, modelled on regional examples, seeks to address the critical gap in post-crash care, where most citizens currently lack financial protection.
This move aligns with Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube’s 2024 budget proposal for the government to administer third-party motor insurance, ensuring victims receive adequate and timely compensation – a function currently managed by private players.
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