Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Government has rolled out one of its most ambitious transport-safety upgrades in decades, commissioning a national fleet of inspection vehicles, advanced brake-testing systems and police breathalysers as part of a broader effort to modernise enforcement and curb country’s rising road-fatality burden.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona, speaking at the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) Eastlea depot on Friday, said the commissioning marks a decisive shift in the country’s commitment to building a safer and more technologically equipped transport system.
“It is my great honour and privilege, to address you this morning, as we bask in the sunshine of the positive development in our road traffic safety management sector,” he said.
“Indeed, it is an honour to headline this momentous occasion where we are: commissioning a fleet of 18 operational vehicles; commissioning advanced brake roller testers for use by the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID); and handing over a donation of breathalysers… for use by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.”
Mhona said the upgrade represents some of the most significant investment in enforcement capability in recent years.
The new VID fleet will allow inspectors to broaden their presence across the country, enabling them to conduct more frequent roadside inspections and target high-risk areas that have long lacked effective oversight.
He said the vehicles will transform inspector mobility and strengthen regulatory coverage.
“The operational vehicles will enable our inspectors to be more agile, extending their reach into remote and under-served areas and to conduct more spontaneous and effective roadside inspections.
“This mobility is a force multiplier in our campaign against rickety, unroadworthy vehicles that pose a danger to all who share our roads.
“Further, we have the advanced brake roller testers. The brake system is arguably the most critical safety component of any vehicle.
“These testers provide objective, data-driven, and irrefutable evidence of a vehicle’s braking capability.
“They eliminate guesswork, preventing corruption, and ensuring that every vehicle that passes through our inspection stations meets a stringent, scientifically verified standard.”
The commissioning of the advanced brake-roller testers marks a significant leap toward international inspection standards.
Mhona emphasised the central role of mechanical integrity in preventing crashes, pointing again to the brake system as “arguably the most critical safety component of any vehicle”.
He said the testers provide “objective, data-driven and irrefutable evidence of a vehicle’s braking capability”, helping eliminate subjectivity and strengthening anti-corruption safeguards.
“They eliminate guesswork, preventing corruption and ensuring that every vehicle that passes through our inspection stations meets a stringent, scientifically verified standard,” he reiterated.
Officials said the new systems will reduce inspection delays and improve the overall efficiency of the transport sector.
“Our Inspectorate will now be able to conduct more inspections with greater accuracy and in less time,” Mhona said.
“This means reduced waiting times for commercial drivers and private motorists, contributing to a more productive economy.”
In addition to the testing upgrades, government handed over new breathalysers sourced by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
Police are expected to deploy them immediately.
Authorities say the devices will bolster intensified sobriety checks during the festive season, historically one of the most dangerous periods on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Analysts note that the commissioning reflects a more confident State posture toward enforcement and aligns with ongoing efforts to modernise road-transport governance through digital systems, infrastructure upgrades and improved safety equipment.
Mhona said the new equipment demonstrates government’s determination to build a transport system capable of supporting economic growth while protecting lives.
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
