The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has today launched a second round of public consultations on the Road Accident Fund Bill, a legislative overhaul aimed at transforming how victims of road carnage are compensated and cared for in Zimbabwe.
The consultations kicked off this morning in Marondera at the Hope Fay Hotel, marking the start of a week-long provincial blitz where the government is seeking to finalize a framework that would replace the current fault-based insurance system with a more responsive fund designed to provide immediate medical and funeral cover.
Under the current legal framework, many emergency service providers are hesitant to assist accident victims without guaranteed payment, often leading to avoidable loss of life during the critical "golden hour" after a crash.
The proposed RAF Bill seeks to guarantee immediate evacuation for survivors regardless of their ability to pay upfront and offer timely financial support for medical expenses. Furthermore, the legislation aims to direct funding toward boosting the equipment and responsiveness of state and private emergency services across the nation.
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The Ministry emphasized that this is a pivotal piece of legislation intended to build a compassionate system that prioritizes saving lives over administrative red tape. Following today's session in Marondera, the team moves to Mutare on Friday at the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Offices, followed by Masvingo on Saturday at the Junior High School Hall in Rhodene. The consultations will continue next week in Bindura on Monday at the Bindura Primary School Hall and conclude in Victoria Falls on Wednesday at the Cresta Sprayview Hotel.
The proposed Fund will be financed primarily through motor vehicle insurance premiums and supplementary allocations from the National Treasury.
While the government views the Bill as a solution to the inadequate liability cover currently provided by third-party insurance, questions regarding the administrative structure and how the fund will interface with existing private insurers have been raised.
As the Marondera session concludes, the spotlight shifts to Mutare where the Traffic Safety Council is expected to host a significant turnout of cross-border transporters and local commuters.
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