News / National
Zim govt launches national transport policy
15 Apr 2013 at 23:03hrs | Views
Government yesterday launched its first national transport policy that seeks to co-ordinate the development of infrastructure, mobilise resources and
encourage participation of the private sector through public-private sector partnerships.Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Development Minister Nicholas Goche launched the policy during a ceremony to commission Manyame Bridge along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway and the dualised stretch of the highway from the bridge to Norton.
"This policy will help to move the agenda forward in a coordinated fashion and in accordance with best practice," he said.
The policy, which is part of the medium term plan launched in 2010, covers four sectors – rail, road, inland waters and air.
"The preparation of the national transport policy has been necessitated by the paradigm shift in the Government's national development thrust from being the sole provider of transport infrastructure and services to that of being a facilitator or a joint partner with the private sector in the provision of such services," he said.
Minister Goche said the policy addressed transport sector challenges such as bad rural roads which affect farmer connectivity to market places, growth points and service centres.
"It is also aimed at addressing the congestion challenges in the urban settings, the rising cost of transportation for commuters, regional and international gateway infrastructure that supports trade and tourism," he said.
Minister Goche said the policy looked at road accidents, inland waters, aviation and rail and environmental challenges associated with transportation and the social disparities associated with gender, the youth and vulnerable groups.
The policy addresses issues of road safety through strict enforcement, public education and engineering measures aimed at reducing accidents.
Minister Goche urged local authorities to devise strategies that encourage local businesses, workplaces, schools and community groups to participate in the implementation of the policy.
The policy promotes the employment of women in the transport sector taking into consideration that women carry heavy loads for long distances.
"Equally important is the attention given to vulnerable groups including people living with disabilities, pregnant women, the chronically ill and elderly," Minister Goche said.
The launch was attended by Chief Zvimba, senior Government officials and Mashonaland West Zanu-PF provincial leadership.
encourage participation of the private sector through public-private sector partnerships.Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Development Minister Nicholas Goche launched the policy during a ceremony to commission Manyame Bridge along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway and the dualised stretch of the highway from the bridge to Norton.
"This policy will help to move the agenda forward in a coordinated fashion and in accordance with best practice," he said.
The policy, which is part of the medium term plan launched in 2010, covers four sectors – rail, road, inland waters and air.
"The preparation of the national transport policy has been necessitated by the paradigm shift in the Government's national development thrust from being the sole provider of transport infrastructure and services to that of being a facilitator or a joint partner with the private sector in the provision of such services," he said.
Minister Goche said the policy addressed transport sector challenges such as bad rural roads which affect farmer connectivity to market places, growth points and service centres.
"It is also aimed at addressing the congestion challenges in the urban settings, the rising cost of transportation for commuters, regional and international gateway infrastructure that supports trade and tourism," he said.
Minister Goche said the policy looked at road accidents, inland waters, aviation and rail and environmental challenges associated with transportation and the social disparities associated with gender, the youth and vulnerable groups.
The policy addresses issues of road safety through strict enforcement, public education and engineering measures aimed at reducing accidents.
Minister Goche urged local authorities to devise strategies that encourage local businesses, workplaces, schools and community groups to participate in the implementation of the policy.
The policy promotes the employment of women in the transport sector taking into consideration that women carry heavy loads for long distances.
"Equally important is the attention given to vulnerable groups including people living with disabilities, pregnant women, the chronically ill and elderly," Minister Goche said.
The launch was attended by Chief Zvimba, senior Government officials and Mashonaland West Zanu-PF provincial leadership.
Source - TH
