HARARE – Against a grim backdrop of relentless road carnage, the government is launching a crucial national conversation this week, inviting the public to help design a potential financial lifeline for thousands of victims.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced the start of nationwide public consultations on the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill, a piece of legislation aimed at establishing a dedicated fund to compensate those injured and the families of those killed in road traffic accidents.
The consultations kick off in Marondera this Thursday, January 8, 2026, before moving to major centres across the country, with dates for Harare to be confirmed.
"This is your opportunity to contribute your views and help shape this important legislation," the ministry declared in a statement, framing the bill as a direct response to a national crisis. Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel
The statistics underpinning the proposed law are stark: Zimbabwe records a road traffic accident every 15 minutes. This translates to more than 35,000 crashes annually, claiming over 1,500 lives and leaving countless more with life-altering injuries. The human and economic toll of these incidents has long underscored calls for a formalised compensation system.
The proposed Road Accident Fund seeks to provide a structured mechanism for victims to receive support, moving beyond ad-hoc assistance. The details of how the fund will be financed—whether through a levy on fuel, vehicle licenses, or insurance premiums—and the specific scope of compensation are expected to be central points of public debate during the consultations.
The consultation schedule is as follows:
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Thursday, January 8, 2026: Hopefay Hotel and Conferencing Centre, Marondera, Mashonaland East.
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Saturday, January 10, 2026: Junior High School Hall, Rhodene, Masvingo.
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Monday, January 12, 2026: Bindura Primary School Hall, Bindura.
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Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Cresta Sprayview Hotel, Victoria Falls.
The ministry has urged citizens, civic groups, transport associations, legal experts, and victims' advocacy organisations to actively participate. "The success of this fund depends on it being built on the lived experiences and insights of the people it is meant to serve," a ministry official noted.
The launch of these talks follows recent high-profile accidents that have reignited public concern over road safety. As the nation grapples with the daily reality of road trauma, these consultations represent a pivotal step toward crafting a law that could alter the aftermath of tragedy for countless Zimbabweans
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