Political interference hampering enforcement of strict regulations on trucks

Zimbabwe's efforts to curb overloaded trucks are being undermined by political interference, according to Felix Mhona, who made the remarks in Parliament.

Addressing legislators in the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, Mhona said enforcement agencies often face pressure from politicians when they attempt to act against offending transporters. He revealed that when overloaded trucks are impounded or prosecuted, officials receive calls from Members of Parliament requesting their release.

The minister warned that such interference weakens regulatory enforcement and allows the problem to persist. Overloaded trucks have long been blamed for accelerating the deterioration of the country's road network, including recently rehabilitated highways.

Zimbabwe's roads are heavily used by regional and international haulage trucks, as the country serves as a key transit corridor linking several southern African nations. However, gaps in enforcement — including a shortage of weighbridges — have allowed some operators to overload vehicles, particularly when entering the country.

Mhona said his ministry is working with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration to address the issue by expanding weighbridge infrastructure. Plans are underway to construct new facilities at strategic points to improve monitoring and compliance.

Despite these efforts, the minister emphasised that infrastructure alone will not solve the problem, stressing the need for adherence to the law by transport operators and consistent enforcement free from external influence.