mbulelo smpofu
Freeman Razemba, Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), has purchased breathalyser machines to be used by police at roadblocks as part of efforts to curb road accidents.
This initiative seeks to ensure safer roads during the festive season by targeting motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed that the TSCZ is in the process of acquiring additional breathalyser machines to equip more police officers on the roads.
“We have been saying in the ministry that we also need to police ourselves as citizens. Wherever you see errant behaviour, let us know,” he said.
Minister Mhona emphasised the importance of vigilance among drivers and road users to minimise road accidents, especially during the festive season when traffic density increases.
He highlighted the need to avoid risky behaviours such as speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe also addressed the issue, confirming that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is ready to collaborate with other stakeholders in the transport sector to enforce compliance with road rules.
He noted the concerning rate of road accidents and expressed a commitment to reversing this trend.
“We believe the time has come for us to collectively start reversing the current disturbing trend,” Minister Kazembe said, adding that police visibility will be heightened at roadblocks and through motorised patrols on highways.
The ministers warned that any defective vehicles found on the roads during the holidays would be removed and taken to designated centres until they meet safety requirements.
Additional measures are set to be implemented to enhance road safety, although specific details were withheld for now.
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has also contributed resources for the purchase of breathalyser machines.
Previously, in March 2022, the ICZ donated traffic equipment worth US$82 000, including breathalysers, to assist police in enforcing traffic laws.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced that monitoring teams, including relevant stakeholders, have been established to help curb road accidents.
The police are co-ordinating with the Ministry of Health to test drivers suspected of being under the influence.
“We are going to take action against any driver found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.
With the deployment of breathalyser machines and increased police presence on the roads, the government seeks to enhance road safety during the festive season.
Both Minister Mhona and Minister Kazembe stressed the collective responsibility of all road users to ensure safer travel and reduce the alarming rates of road traffic accidents.
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