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Tough rules beckon for trucks on Victoria Falls–Bulawayo road
2 hrs ago |
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The Government of Zimbabwe has unveiled plans to safeguard portions of the newly rehabilitated Victoria Falls–Bulawayo Road from damage caused by overloaded trucks, with measures including the construction of weighbridges and a shift of bulk cargo transport from road to rail.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told the National Assembly that weighbridge infrastructure is being prioritised along this key tourism and freight corridor to preserve the road and ensure its long-term sustainability.
"The contractor responsible for Lot 7 of the Victoria Falls - Bulawayo Road project has been tasked with rehabilitating the weighbridge at the Hwange Vehicle Inspection Department depot, which serves as a major checkpoint for heavy vehicles," Mhona said.
He added that toll gates along the corridor are being upgraded into modern toll plazas with integrated weighbridge facilities between Hwange and Victoria Falls, as well as between Lupane and Gwayi, to strengthen enforcement against overloading.
"We are in the process of upgrading existing toll gates into modern toll plazas… each designed to incorporate heavy vehicle weighbridge facilities," Mhona explained.
The intervention follows warnings from Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda, who noted that sections of the newly rehabilitated road were already being damaged by heavy trucks, particularly along detours used during ongoing construction.
In response, Mhona said government was pursuing a broader strategy that includes resuscitating and capacitating road maintenance units and recapitalising the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to shift bulk cargo transport from road to rail.
"The government's broader plan to recapitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe is aimed at enhancing the movement of bulk goods by rail rather than by road, a key long-term measure in reducing excessive wear on our highways," he said.
The minister also confirmed that contractors are expediting construction works while officials are being deployed to monitor vulnerable sections of the road around the clock.
Gwanda North legislator Desire Nkala sought clarification on detour regulations, with Mhona explaining that while there is no fixed legal length, detours typically range between five and 10 kilometres depending on construction requirements.
The Victoria Falls–Bulawayo Road serves as a critical economic corridor linking Zimbabwe's prime tourism destination to the rest of the country, while also facilitating regional trade and mineral transportation.
The Government's move aims to protect national infrastructure investments and ensure the road remains durable under increasing traffic demands.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona told the National Assembly that weighbridge infrastructure is being prioritised along this key tourism and freight corridor to preserve the road and ensure its long-term sustainability.
"The contractor responsible for Lot 7 of the Victoria Falls - Bulawayo Road project has been tasked with rehabilitating the weighbridge at the Hwange Vehicle Inspection Department depot, which serves as a major checkpoint for heavy vehicles," Mhona said.
He added that toll gates along the corridor are being upgraded into modern toll plazas with integrated weighbridge facilities between Hwange and Victoria Falls, as well as between Lupane and Gwayi, to strengthen enforcement against overloading.
"We are in the process of upgrading existing toll gates into modern toll plazas… each designed to incorporate heavy vehicle weighbridge facilities," Mhona explained.
The intervention follows warnings from Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda, who noted that sections of the newly rehabilitated road were already being damaged by heavy trucks, particularly along detours used during ongoing construction.
"The government's broader plan to recapitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe is aimed at enhancing the movement of bulk goods by rail rather than by road, a key long-term measure in reducing excessive wear on our highways," he said.
The minister also confirmed that contractors are expediting construction works while officials are being deployed to monitor vulnerable sections of the road around the clock.
Gwanda North legislator Desire Nkala sought clarification on detour regulations, with Mhona explaining that while there is no fixed legal length, detours typically range between five and 10 kilometres depending on construction requirements.
The Victoria Falls–Bulawayo Road serves as a critical economic corridor linking Zimbabwe's prime tourism destination to the rest of the country, while also facilitating regional trade and mineral transportation.
The Government's move aims to protect national infrastructure investments and ensure the road remains durable under increasing traffic demands.
Source - the standard
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