MP calls for US$20 per kg overloading fine

Zimbabwe could introduce tougher penalties for overloaded trucks, with Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairperson Tawanda Karikoga calling for fines of at least US$20 per kilogramme of excess cargo.

Karikoga has urged the responsible minister to urgently review the statutory instrument governing road-user fees and penalties, arguing that existing sanctions must be strong enough to discourage transport operators from overloading their vehicles.

He accused some operators of rewarding drivers for carrying excessive loads, despite the damage heavy vehicles can cause to roads being constructed and rehabilitated using public funds.

"Transport operators, sadly, they are rewarding their drivers for overloading," Karikoga said.

He called on the minister to expedite the review of the regulations so that offenders face meaningful financial consequences.

"So, Minister, please review that SI as soon as possible, so that they feel the pain," he said.

The proposed US$20-per-kilogramme penalty has not been approved by Government, and its implementation would depend on the minister's response and the applicable legislative and regulatory processes.

Karikoga did not specify the current penalty structure or quantify the damage caused by overloaded vehicles.

Overloading can accelerate road deterioration, increase maintenance costs and shorten the lifespan of rehabilitated infrastructure. Zimbabwe relies heavily on road freight to transport agricultural produce, minerals and manufactured goods to domestic markets and regional trading partners.

Poor road conditions can also increase vehicle maintenance expenses, delay deliveries and raise transport costs for businesses, with some of the additional costs potentially passed on to consumers.

Karikoga's proposal comes amid parliamentary scrutiny of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and the quality of roads funded through disbursements to local authorities.

He criticised poor workmanship and repeated repairs, warning that substandard projects could undermine the value of public investment.

"Parliament will not tolerate a culture where roads are patched today, patched tomorrow and washed away two days later," he said.

Karikoga emphasised that releasing funds to road authorities was only the first step, arguing that the ultimate measure of success was the durability and quality of completed infrastructure.

"Getting funds to local authorities is only the first step," he said.

ZINARA works with 94 road authorities across the country, including local authorities and rural district councils responsible for implementing road projects. Karikoga said some councils required additional equipment, fuel and capacity-building support to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He also highlighted the need for proper management and accountability in the collection and use of road-related revenue.

The committee has called for faster digital transformation at tollgates, including more efficient tolling systems, cashless prepaid payment options and improved pre-check systems to safeguard revenue and reduce congestion.

For tougher overloading penalties to protect the national road network, enforcement would need to be supported by reliable vehicle-weighing systems, consistent inspections and effective prosecution of offenders.

Karikoga's call places the issue of overloading and road maintenance firmly on the policy agenda, as Parliament pushes for better protection of public investment in Zimbabwe's transport infrastructure.