*Transport ministry enhances safety measures* 16 May 2025 _Story by Jeremiah Gora_ https://chat.whatsapp.com/CQ3v0guBSmd0G4HaBxc69y The Second Republic is commited to the formulation of robust legal, policy and administrative mechanisms to improve the country's road safety regime and overall performance of the road transport sector, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has said. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development made these remarks in a Press Statement earlier today, with Engineer J.P. Makumbe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, announcing the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe. "The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the insurance industry represented by the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 16 May 2025 to establish a collaborative framework for the issuance of minimum insurance cover for public service vehicle passengers and COMESA Regional Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance. "The MOU marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety by providing robust protection for the commuting public and promotes the strict enforcement of the requirement for minimum insurance cover for public vehicle passengers," read the statement. The MOU is intended to facilitate awareness among the general public regarding insurance claims and road safety issues. "Likewise, the collaborative framework will promote public education campaigns to raise awareness on the role of minimum insurance for public service vehicle passengers, procedures for the settlement of claims with a view to ensure timely timely and efficient compensation for road crush victims. The MoU includes provisions for data sharing and analysis to identify areas for improvement in road safety, insurance coverage and the adequacy of this insurance cover," highlighted the Ministry. The Memorandum of Understanding is expected to have benefits extending beyond Zimbabwe, positively impacting the regional block through enhanced cooperation and knowledge sharing on transportation and insurance matters. "This partnership also aims to promote and facilitate cross border trade by enhancing efficiency in the insuance of COMESA Third-Party Motor vehicle insurance which provides compensation for damages and injuries sustained in road traffic accidents caused by foreign motorists visiting or transiting through COMESA Member States. This also resonates with the objective of National Development Strategy 1 as the country is now more closely aligned with the requirements of existing Multilateral Cross Border Road Transport and Trade Facilitation Protocols which are meant to achieve regional integration," the statement stated. The statement concluded by assuring the nation that the Second Republic is commited to the formulation of robust legal, policy and administrative mechanisms to improve the country's road safety regime and overall performance of the road transport sector. As part of its commitment to a safe, secure, and efficient global aviation system, the ministry is set to host the 10th ICAO-AFI Aviation Week from 26-30 May 2025 in Victoria Falls.