Weighbridges to protect Bulawayo - Victoria Falls highway

The weighbridge at the Hwange Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) is set to undergo rehabilitation as part of government efforts to protect the newly upgraded Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway from damage caused by overloaded trucks.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the contractor responsible for Lot 7 of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road project has been assigned to refurbish the weighbridge, which serves as a key checkpoint for heavy vehicles using the busy tourism corridor.

"The issue of protecting our newly constructed roads, such as the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road from damage caused by overloaded trucks is one that we take seriously. The contractor under Lot 7 of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road project has been tasked with rehabilitating the weighbridge at Hwange Vehicle Inspection Department, which serves as the starting point for most heavy vehicles along that corridor," said Minister Mhona.

He added that the initiative forms part of a broader, multi-pronged strategy that includes upgrading tolling infrastructure and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.

"Furthermore, the ministry is in the process of upgrading existing toll gates into modern toll plazas between Hwange and Victoria Falls, and another between Lupane and Gwayi, each designed to incorporate heavy vehicle weighbridge facilities," he said.

Consultations on the positioning of the new facilities are currently underway.

Beyond weighbridge rehabilitation, the minister said safeguarding road infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach. He highlighted plans to revive and capacitate road maintenance units, as well as the government's broader strategy to recapitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).

"To that end, the Ministry is also focusing on the resuscitation and capacitation of our road maintenance units, in addition to the Government's broader plan to recapitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe to enhance the movement of bulk goods by rail rather than by road, a key long-term measure in reducing excessive wear on our highways," Mhona said.

He emphasised that enforcement measures alone would not be sufficient without cooperation from transport operators.

"It is also very important that as we partake in our business of carrying whether they are minerals from various sections of the country, we also need to uphold the issues of required weight always. If we appeal to our people, the truckers, that they must adhere to the required weight on our particular roads, I think that will go a long way," he said.

Minister Mhona also sought to allay concerns over delays to the highway project, assuring the public that construction work is progressing at pace.

"We also want to allay the fears that we are expediting our works, the contractors are busy, so that they complete on time," he said.

The measures form part of the government's broader strategy to safeguard its significant investment in road rehabilitation, while promoting a long-term shift of bulk cargo transport from road to rail to reduce highway deterioration.