Don’t come to us if you hit a pothole and your vehicle is damaged- Transport minister

Transport Minister Joram Gumbo says motorists will not get any compensation from his ministry if they hit potholes and their vehicles are damaged.

He told this to the Senate in response to a question from Senator Agnes Sibanda who had asked whether the Ministry of Transport is supposed to pay for repairs if someone’s vehicle is damaged after hitting a pothole because the ministry is responsible for highways.

“I am sure if your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, the insurance is supposed to assist in making the repairs.  You should not come to us,” Gumbo said.

Sixteen people were killed this week when a haulage truck hit a pothole and crashed onto a kombi.

Q & A

+HON. SEN. A. SIBANDA:  Thank you Madam President.  My question is directed to Dr. Gumbo, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development.  I would like to know, because our highways are under your control, let us suppose I am driving along the highway and I hit the pothole and my car breaks down; are you supposed to pay for the repairs of my vehicle?

+THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):  I thank you Hon. Sibanda for your question.  You have no right to make the payments.  I am sure if your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, the insurance is supposed to assist in making the repairs.  You should not come to us.  I thank you.

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