Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Walter Mzembi has joined Zimbabwe’s growing road safety debate. His intervention comes as concern rises over fatal accidents nationwide.
Dr Mzembi believes Zimbabwe needs a fundamental shift in transport planning. In particular, he argues that safer alternatives must reduce dependence on roads.
“The Ultimate Solution is an efficient cost effective swift Rail system linking all major towns, take the public away from the roads as much as possible,” he said.
He also stressed that Zimbabwe’s economy cannot simply stop because of transport challenges. Instead, he called for efficient systems supporting passengers, goods, and services around the clock.
According to Dr Mzembi, the Beitbridge-Chirundu Road remains strategically important. The route forms part of the wider Cape-to-Cairo continental transport vision.
However, he believes passenger travel needs safer alternatives, especially as technology continues advancing.
Rail and Automation Could Change Transport
Dr Mzembi pointed towards rail transport and automation as possible long-term solutions. He argued that modern transport should not depend entirely on human alertness.
“We are entering into the Robotic Transportation age and automation,” he said.
Consequently, he believes Zimbabwe should begin considering smarter transport management systems. Such systems could improve safety while supporting economic activity.
He also compared Zimbabwe’s roads with busy international aviation routes. His comparison raised questions about traffic control and coordinated transport management.
Who Is Responsible for Road Safety?
Dr Mzembi questioned whether Zimbabwe has adequate road safety control mechanisms. He specifically distinguished policing from broader traffic safety management.
“The Police are there to arrest but who and where is Road Safety and Control?” he asked.
He also criticised dangerous overloading practices on Zimbabwean roads. Dr Mzembi questioned why overloaded passenger vehicles sometimes pass through roadblocks.
His intervention adds another perspective to Zimbabwe’s increasingly urgent road safety conversation.
Ultimately, his message focuses on prevention rather than punishment. Better rail networks, stronger traffic management, and safer transport systems could reduce risks.
As accidents continue causing grief, Zimbabwe faces growing pressure to rethink road safety. Dr Mzembi believes the solution requires planning, technology, and stronger transport management.
The post Dr Walter Mzembi weighs in as Zimbabwe’s road accidents continue rising appeared first on iHarare News.
