By Evans Dakwa
A Harare Company, Tika Chem Investments will rue the day one of its trucks used the new Trabablas interchange after the it was ordered to repair damage caused by the truck on the popular infrastructure.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development was in no forgiving mood after the granite stone that was being transported by the company fell causing damage to the guard rails and pavement at the interchange.
In statement that has since ignited mixed feelings the Ministry confirmed the punishment melted out to Tika Chem Investment.
” Following the incident, the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) impounded the truck for further investigations. After a thorough assessment, the Ministry has directed the truck owner to undertake full repairs of the damaged infrastructure at their own cost. The truck will only be released upon satisfactory completion of the repairs and after VID has conducted the necessary inspections to ensure the vehicle meets all safety standards, ” read the Ministry statement.
Using the statement, the Ministry has reminded the motoring public to safeguard infrastructure urging the reporting of incidences of public infrastructure vandalism.
” The Ministry takes this opportunity to remind the motoring public and transport operators of their responsibility to safeguard public infrastructure. We urge all citizens to report any acts of vandalism or negligence that may result in damage to roads, bridges, or other critical infrastructure. You can assist by sending videos, pictures, or reports of such incidents to the relevant authorities.”
However the decision to punish has generated public debate with critics arguing the Ministry was being emotional and lack locus standi to mete out the punishment to Tika Chem while others believe its a wake up call to motorist that negligent damaging of infrastructure will not be tolerated.