Fencing of major highways on the cards

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development will embark on fencing the country's major highways in response to the continued loss of life as a result of accidents caused by stray animals.

According to the ministry, the erection of fences along the country's major roads, which has already been approved by the relevant stakeholders, is part of government's efforts to rehabilitate the roads infrastructure.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Obert Mpofu said under the programme, all commercial farmers with farms are along the country's major roads will be compelled to erect fences.

"The erection of fences programme has already received endorsement from the relevant authorities. Under the plan, all commercial farmers along the country's major roads will be compelled to erect fences," said Mpofu.

Under the programme, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development will work with local authorities to sensitise the populace on the need to preserve the infrastructure and to desist from vandalism.

The development comes at a time the World Bank approved a $1,3 million grant to the Zimbabwean government which will go towards development of the transport sector master plan.

The transport master plan study is aimed at providing the framework for the sustainable development of the transport sector to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.