In a significant move aimed at enhancing Zimbabwe’s emergency response capacity and reducing fatalities from road accidents, the Government is planning to deploy ambulances at tollgates across the country. This initiative, still in its early planning stages, is expected to bring critical medical services closer to accident scenes, particularly on major highways that experience high traffic volumes and accident rates.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of concerning road safety statistics. During the 2025 Easter holidays alone, police recorded 384 road incidents, a sharp increase from 286 incidents during the same period in 2024. Although fatal accidents declined from 26 to 21, and the death toll dropped slightly from 27 to 24, the number of people injured rose from 159 to 178 — highlighting the continued risks on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco said in an interview this week that the Government’s plan is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the country’s emergency response systems. Key stakeholders involved include the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
“The aim is to ensure swift medical attention for accident victims, particularly during peak travel periods,” said Sacco. “By positioning ambulances at strategic points such as tollgates and busy highway intersections, the Government hopes to minimise the loss of life and reduce the severity of injuries resulting from road traffic accidents.”
The planned ambulance deployment will target critical sections of the national road network, including highways connecting major cities and border posts. Although the plan is still under development, Sacco expressed optimism, citing recent progress in related legislative efforts.
One of the key pillars supporting this emergency response initiative is the Government’s proposed Road Accident Fund. Sacco confirmed that the principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill were presented to Cabinet and received approval last week. This long-awaited development marks a milestone in road safety reform.
Government Plans Ambulance Deployment at Tollgates to Improve Emergency Response
“The Road Accident Fund has been lobbied for many years, and I’m happy to say that the principles of this Bill have now been approved by Cabinet,” Sacco said. “This fund will enable the Government to finance a range of emergency services — including ambulances, hospital medical equipment, and post-accident support — using resources collected from third-party motor vehicle insurance.”
The Road Accident Fund is envisioned as a comprehensive safety net for road accident victims. It will provide financial support for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and funeral expenses for those affected by fatal crashes. The Government sees this as a way to relieve the burden on victims and their families, many of whom struggle to cope with the aftermath of serious accidents.
“The fund will be instrumental in making sure that those injured in accidents receive proper care without the added burden of financial stress,” Sacco explained. “It’s not just about transporting victims to hospitals — it’s about ensuring they have access to quality treatment and rehabilitation.”
He further emphasized that the fund will not only cover immediate medical attention but will also invest in long-term support for victims’ recovery, including therapy and physical rehabilitation services.
According to the Government, the Road Accident Fund Bill is a critical part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030, in line with international road safety goals. The bill will promote safer, more sustainable transport systems, and improve the quality and responsiveness of emergency health services.
The proposed fund will be financed through a combination of mandatory vehicle insurance premiums and allocations from the national budget, ensuring long-term sustainability without introducing new taxes or placing additional financial strain on the general public.
In addition to ambulance deployment and financial assistance, the Government is working on public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safer driving behaviours. These campaigns will be led by the Traffic Safety Council and are expected to run alongside the implementation of the Road Accident Fund.
As plans move forward, many citizens and civil society groups are hopeful that the initiative will bring much-needed change to Zimbabwe’s overburdened emergency response infrastructure. The deployment of ambulances at tollgates, if implemented effectively, could become a game-changer in reducing road accident fatalities and ensuring timely medical intervention for those in need.
The Government is expected to announce further details, including implementation timelines and pilot locations, in the coming months.
Source- Newsday
