Zimbabwe’s transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Hon. Advocate F.T. Mhona last week marked the conclusion of the final public consultations on the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Bill in Harare.

In a press statement to the media, Hon. Advocate Mhona describing the process as a historic milestone ahead of the Bill’s tabling in Parliament.

The proposed Road Accident Fund seeks to establish a robust social safety net to support road accident victims through emergency evacuation, medical care, rehabilitation and funeral assistance.

A key focus of the Bill is improving rapid emergency response within the critical “golden hour” after accidents to save lives.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. MP Mhona said road accidents have become a national crisis, with over 35,000 crashes recorded annually and more than 1,800 lives lost every year emphasizing that urgent and decisive legislative action is needed to strengthen road safety and post-crash response systems.

He also highlighted that consultations have been conducted across all provinces these include Matabeleland, Bulawayo, Manicaland and Midlands amongst others.

Hon. Mhona further said it reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement. He also outlined broader reforms in road safety management, including stronger enforcement, digitalisation, improved regulation of driving schools, penalty point systems and stricter measures against traffic violations.

Furthermore, Hon. Mhona expressed, confidence that the Road Accident Fund Bill will significantly improve post-crash management and reduce road traffic fatalities, calling on all stakeholders to continue contributing towards building a safer and more resilient road safety system for Zimbabwe.