The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is advancing efforts to improve road maintenance and road safety across Zimbabwe. The work centres on the ongoing recapitalisation of the Department of Roads’ maintenance units and the acquisition of new road marking equipment.
Rebuilding maintenance capacity
A key part of the programme is the recapitalisation of the Department of Roads’ maintenance units, which are responsible for keeping the national road network in working order. Equipping these units with the right machinery is central to repairing and maintaining roads in all provinces.
As part of this effort, the delivery of lowbeds is underway. These specialised heavy-duty trailers are needed to move large machinery such as graders, rollers and bulldozers, which cannot travel directly on public roads. Without them, getting equipment to remote work sites can be slow, costly and difficult. With lowbeds in place, maintenance crews can move heavy machinery to where it is needed more quickly and safely, which should improve the speed and reach of grading, resurfacing and repair work.
Clearer roads for motorists
The Ministry has also acquired 20 road marking machines. Two machines have been allocated to each province, giving every part of the country dedicated equipment to repaint and renew markings on the roads in its area.
Urban areas will also benefit from support to improve road marking visibility and coverage. Faded or missing lines are a common concern in towns and cities, where heavy traffic, pedestrian crossings and junctions make clear markings especially important.
Why road markings matter
The Ministry stressed that clear, visible road markings are essential for guiding motorists, protecting pedestrians and reducing road safety risks. Centre lines, edge lines, stop lines and pedestrian crossings help drivers stay in their lanes, judge distances and know where to stop, particularly at night and in poor weather. Well-maintained markings also help pedestrians cross at designated points and make roads more predictable for everyone who uses them.
A broader commitment
Together, the new maintenance equipment and road marking machines form part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s road network. Better-maintained roads can reduce vehicle damage, cut travel times and make it easier to move people and goods between towns, farms, businesses and markets. Safer roads can also help reduce accidents and the costs that come with them.
Through these initiatives, the Government says it continues to strengthen road maintenance capacity and promote safer roads for all Zimbabweans.
The Ministry’s message sums up the aim of the programme: Safer Roads. Better Infrastructure. A Connected Zimbabwe.
