Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, toured the VID Eastlea Depot, Belvedere VID and Tynwald Stand yesterday to improve operational efficiency.
The Minister announced that the Transport Management Centre, to be constructed at Tynwald Stand (3.3 hectares) in Kuwadzana, will house all transport solutions under one roof, including the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Central Vehicle Registry, and the Road Transportation (RMT).
“Today’s visit is to look at how we can improve the overall government approach, harmonising all operations among our parastatals and departments,” said the Minister.
Consequently, a weigh bridge will also be constructed at the Tynwald site to monitor compliance with traffic regulations, said the Minister.
“As we rehabilitate and modernise our roads, we must have a weigh bridge to ensure that all trucks comply with weight regulations.
“This new weigh bridge will be built at Tynwald and will reduce congestion at Eastlea VID,” he said.
Hon Mhona stated that the Ministry intends to relocate the services that were offered at the Eastlea VID depot to the Belvedere centre, which will be better equipped to meet the needs of the public.
“To better serve the public, we are moving the services offered at Eastlea VID to the Belvedere centre.
“To improve service delivery, light vehicles will have their tests done at the Belvedere VID centre, which will be taking over the services previously offered at Eastlea.
“We want to alleviate congestion at Eastlea VID by relocating some of its services to Belvedere,” the Minister explained.
Furthermore, he stated that the Ministry is exploring new financing options and plans to use its own resources to achieve its goals.
“We are being creative and innovative in financing our Ministry’s operations, and are committed to using our own resources to achieve our goals,” said the Minister.
Minister Mhona stated that the Ministry of Transport is a one-stop-shop that houses various departments, which are essential for the development of projects.
“With CMED, TSCZ, and ZINARA under one roof, we are able to offer a comprehensive transport solution,” the Minister stated.
The Minister also appealed to the private sector to help rehabilitate the Belvedere Training Centre, according to his remarks.
“I urge the private sector to partner with us in this initiative.
“Our vision is to leverage existing infrastructure, demolish outdated buildings, and create modern offices in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision for the Second Republic,” the Minister said.
He acknowledged the Ministry of Home Affairs’ role in this initiative.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs under Hon. Kazembe, we will establish a state-of-the-art transport management centre at VID for monitoring and managing traffic together with the police,” said Hon. Mhona.
In addition, he said the Ministry is working to obtain Cabinet approval for a bill on the Road Accident Fund, which will transform Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) from a council into an authority.
Furthermore, Hon Mhona stressed the importance of introducing a point system for drivers’ licenses, to help reduce road accidents.
“The proposed point system will deduct points from a driver’s license for every traffic violation,” said Hon. Mhona.
In reference to the government’s National Development Strategy 1, the Chairman of TSCZ, Mr. Sibanda, stressed the need to upgrade infrastructure in order to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will build a modern transport management centre, housing CVR, VID, and RMT, so citizens no longer need to move from one office to another,” said Mr. Sibanda.
According to the Chairperson of CMED, Eng. Dr. Stevenson, the company will participate in upgrading the system.
“Through our construction department, we want to contribute to developing our nation and showing our people that the Ministry of Transport is committed to their well-being,” said Eng. Stevenson.
ZINARA’s Board Chairman, Mr Manyaya, said the company is committed to funding this initiative.
“Most importantly we want to assure the nation that ZINARA will be able to fund this initiative and we will be the funders and the funds are there,” he said.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is currently working on several construction projects, including the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Road, Harare-Chirundu Highway, the new Parliament access roads, Harare-Kanyemba Road, Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, Chivhu-Gutu-Lothiam road, Nyanga Ruwange road, and Domboshawa road.
Story by Farirai Mutumburanzou
