By Dickson Bandera
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has confirmed an incident involving a truck owned by Tika Chem Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which damaged part of the newly commissioned Trabablas Interchange — Zimbabwe’s first of its kind.
According to a statement issued on 9 July 2025, the truck was transporting granite stone on 8 July when its load fell, causing significant damage to guard rails and the freshly laid pavement. The Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) has since impounded the truck for further investigations.
The Ministry said the transporter has been ordered to fully repair the damaged infrastructure at its own expense before the truck can be released. The repairs must meet all safety standards and pass rigorous inspections by VID.
Commissioned just recently, the Trabablas Interchange along the Harare-Beitbridge road represents a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s drive to modernise its road network. However, its integrity is already under threat due to reported chaos and lawlessness on the country’s roads, where negligence and reckless driving continue to undermine public investments.
In its statement, the Ministry reminded road users and transport operators to play their part in protecting national infrastructure. “Failure to report vandalism or infrastructure damage contributes to unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers. Let us all work together to protect and preserve our national infrastructure for the benefit of present and future generations,” the statement read in part.
The Ministry is urging the public to report acts of vandalism and negligence to the relevant authorities as Zimbabwe pushes to safeguard vital public assets — kilometer by kilometer.
