The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has issued a stern Public Notice declaring the immediate and strict enforcement of axle load regulations across all of Zimbabwe’s major highways. The government emphasized that while they are actively rebuilding the nation’s roads, the successful longevity of this critical infrastructure requires public cooperation.

The Ministry highlighted that overloading is the number one cause of premature road damage, leading directly to premature potholes, structural failures, and significant increases in public expenditure for repairs. Furthermore, overloading poses a serious safety risk to all road users.

To protect these vital national assets, the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance for overloaded vehicles. The Ministry noted that recent significant investments, including the ongoing Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project, are essential for economic growth, tourism, and public safety, and must be preserved.

The enforcement mechanism will be twofold. Firstly, heavy fines will be levied, with any truck found to be overloaded on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, or any other major highway, subject to severe penalties as prescribed by the country’s laws. Secondly, this is a Nationwide Enforcement effort, applying to all major highways across Zimbabwe to effectively preserve the entire national road network, not just the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls corridor.

The Ministry urgently calls on all transport operators and drivers to comply with the stipulated axle load limits. To ensure adherence, regular checkpoints and weighbridges will be operational. The goal is to work together to protect the national infrastructure for a safer, more connected Zimbabwe.