Satellite Tracking For Buses In Zimbabwe To Curb Rising Road Accidents
Zimbabwe is preparing to deploy satellite tracking technology in all buses and public transport vehicles as part of sweeping measures to reduce accidents on the country’s roads.
Real-time tracking to monitor speed and routes
According to The Sunday Mail, the Government will require buses and commuter omnibuses to be fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. These will allow transport regulators to monitor speed, driver behaviour and routes in real time.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) managing director, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, explained the significance of the move. He said:
“The same applies to the issue of speed traps and state-of-the-art speed cameras. By year-end, we expect the electronic traffic management system to move beyond proof of concept to full rollout. The same applies to the satellite tracking of buses, which will soon be fully functional.”
Officials believe the technology will allow swift intervention whenever public transport operators break traffic rules or deviate from approved routes.
A response to rising accidents
The introduction of satellite tracking comes after a sharp rise in accidents recorded across Zimbabwe. Police statistics released during the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays showed a troubling increase. The number of road traffic accidents rose from 149 to 196 compared to the same period in 2024. Fatal accidents climbed from eight to 13, while deaths went up from 16 to 24.
Mr Munodawafa emphasised that the numbers highlight the need for urgent action. He told The Sunday Mail:
“When you look at some of the recklessness on the roads, you wonder whether it is just alcohol. So, this takes us to the point where we believe we need to go all out, and random tests be done on public service vehicle drivers. This will ensure that anybody who drives a public service vehicle is not intoxicated neither by alcohol nor by anything else.”
He said the broader safety package included roadside drug testing and the reintroduction of breathalysers for drivers.
Joint enforcement and nationwide rollout
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, is spearheading the strategy. Authorities plan joint operations involving the TSCZ, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department.
Satellite tracking will work alongside other digital enforcement methods, including electronic traffic cameras in urban centres.
Mr Munodawafa said the new approach would transform how public transport is managed:
“Authorities are also considering the deployment of patrol vehicles equipped with advanced monitoring technology to detect traffic offences. This is part of ensuring road safety is taken to another level.”
Officials say the deployment of satellite tracking, coupled with drug and alcohol testing, is designed to stem the rising tide of accidents.
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The post Zimbabwe To Deploy Satellite Tracking For Buses And Public Transport To Prevent Accidents appeared first on iHarare News.
