HARARE – The transport ministry has seized a truck for causing damage at the newly-commissioned Trabablas interchange in Harare to force its owners to carry out repairs.
Lawyers have suggested that the government’s move is illegal.
The truck owned by Tika Chem Investments was transporting granite stone when its load fell on July 8, causing damage to the guard rails and newly-constructed pavement at the interchange.
“After a thorough assessment, the ministry has directed the truck owner to undertake full repairs of the damaged infrastructure at their own cost,” the ministry of transport said in a statement.
“The truck will only be released upon satisfactory completion of the repairs and after the Vehicle Inspection Department has conducted the necessary inspections to ensure the vehicle meets all safety standards.”
Lawyer Obey Shava said: “The ministry of transport has given an illegal instruction. It has no power to detain the truck until the owner repairs the Trabablas pavement as communicated in their memo.
“Ministry officials should desist from making emotional and costly decisions. Due process must be followed.”
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