The Zimbabwean government has taken a bold step towards enhancing road safety and post-accident support by approving the principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill, which is expected to transform emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and funeral assistance for victims of road traffic accidents.
This legislative move marks a significant milestone, with the Fund set to be financed through motor vehicle insurance premiums, ensuring sustainable funding for crucial post-crash interventions. Its primary aim is to address existing gaps in emergency response and long-term care, aligning with Zimbabwe’s national road safety strategy to significantly reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries by 2030.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere emphasized the urgency of the initiative and its life-saving potential. “Cabinet received and approved the principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill,” Dr. Muswere announced. “The main objective is to reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030 through access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems and by improving road safety for all.”
Currently, under the existing insurance framework, many accident victims face challenges in receiving immediate medical attention due to the limited scope of available insurance packages. Emergency responders, hospitals, and other service providers often hesitate to act when payment guarantees are uncertain, leaving many survivors vulnerable and at risk of worsened medical outcomes. Dr. Muswere underscored how the Road Accident Fund would directly tackle these shortcomings by guaranteeing emergency medical evacuation for accident victims, providing immediate financial assistance for hospitalization and treatment costs, covering funeral expenses, and supporting families affected by fatal crashes. Long-term rehabilitation funding will also be made available to aid recovery and reintegration into society.
“The current liability cover is inadequate. The Fund will improve responsiveness to post-crash emergencies and strengthen the health system’s capacity to deliver appropriate care,” he added.
Beyond direct financial aid to accident victims, the proposed fund will bolster the capacity of emergency service providers and health institutions to respond quickly to road traffic accidents. The government anticipates that this intervention will lead to faster response times at crash scenes, improved hospital readiness, and better-equipped medical personnel to handle accident-related trauma.
This initiative aligns with previous proposals outlined by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in the 2024 national budget, which emphasized that third-party motor insurance should be administered by the government to ensure timely and adequate compensation for accident victims.
Currently, third-party motor insurance, mandatory under the Road Traffic Act, is privately managed and offers limited coverage for death, injury, and property damage. The Road Accident Fund is expected to expand these provisions significantly, ensuring comprehensive coverage and timely assistance for those affected.
With road crashes remaining a pressing public health issue, particularly along Zimbabwe’s busiest highways, authorities believe the Fund will be pivotal in improving road safety outcomes. By creating a structured system for victim support and emergency response, Zimbabwe aims to reduce the devastating impact of road accidents while promoting safer travel for all.
