The Government has announced the deployment of mobile weighbridges in mining regions across the country as part of a crackdown on overloaded haulage trucks blamed for causing extensive damage to public roads.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe, revealed the measures during an oral evidence session before a joint sitting of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and the Public Accounts Committee at Mt Hampden on November 9.
The move follows a parliamentary oversight visit conducted on November 7 and 8, during which legislators intercepted several trucks transporting mineral cargo well above permitted weight limits.
According to transport officials, some haulage vehicles were carrying loads of up to 70 tonnes on roads designed to accommodate a maximum axle-load capacity of about 30 tonnes, placing significant strain on both rural and regional road networks.
Authorities say the widespread overloading of trucks transporting minerals such as lithium, chrome and coal is undermining government efforts to maintain and rehabilitate key transport infrastructure.
Under the new enforcement strategy, mobile weighbridge units will be stationed in active mining districts and along known bypass routes, enabling inspectors to conduct spot checks before overloaded vehicles enter the national road network.
The Ministry said the approach will improve compliance enforcement by targeting loading points rather than relying solely on fixed weighbridge stations located along major highways.
Government also plans to shift liability for overloading violations from transport operators to mining companies responsible for loading the vehicles.
Mining firms found exceeding legal load limits could face fines, vehicle impoundments and other regulatory sanctions under the strengthened enforcement regime.
Engineer Makumbe said the deployment of mobile weighbridges forms part of broader efforts to protect road infrastructure from accelerated wear and tear caused by heavy mineral haulage operations.
Beyond the immediate enforcement measures, the Ministry is developing a long-term strategy aimed at transferring bulk mineral transportation from road to rail.
The proposed framework would require more mining companies to utilise the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) network for the movement of large mineral consignments, reducing pressure on roads while extending the lifespan of critical transport corridors.
Government believes greater use of rail transportation will provide a more sustainable solution to the challenges posed by growing mineral exports and increasing heavy-haulage traffic across the country. 
