In the wake of a sweeping announcement by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) about the deregistration of over 565,000 vehicles, local tech startup Belenga Dev has stepped up with an innovative solution to simplify the process for motorists.
The ZINARA Directive
ZINARA recently published a notice warning that vehicles unlicensed or unexempted for over two years would be deregistered under Section 12C of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14]. The agency advised affected vehicle owners to clear arrears or regularize their registration at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) by December 22, 2024.
Failure to comply will result in vehicles being removed from the official registry. ZINARA’s full list of vehicles at risk of deregistration, which spans over 2,000 pages, is accessible here.
Making the Data Usable
With ZINARA publishing a 2000 page document, Belenga Dev recognized that manually navigating the extensive list was impractical for most users. In response, the company extracted the data, digitized it, and created an intuitive web app where users can search for their vehicle's status by entering basic details.
"Our mission is to simplify complex data, tell compelling stories with it, or create tools that show its personal impact," said Harvey Binamu.
The DeepDiveData webapp allows users to quickly check if their vehicle is at risk of deregistration. By entering their vehicle’s registration number, users gain instant access to:
- The expiry date of their vehicle’s registration
- The number of overdue terms
- An estimate of the fees owed
Vehicle owners can explore the tool at deepdivedata.blnga.co.zw. The platform’s simple interface allows for quick searches, eliminating the need for combing through bulky documents.
The company’s approach underscores the growing potential of data to transform services in Zimbabwe. By turning an overwhelming document into an actionable and accessible tool, DeepDiveData has set a benchmark for how technology can enhance service delivery.
Call for Collaborating
While the app is currently web-based, DeepDiveData is exploring other access channels, including SMS, WhatsApp, USSD to expand its reach. “We’re open to working with partners who can help us make this even more accessible,” added Harvey Binamu.
With DeepDiveData leading the charge, Zimbabwe is seeing how technology can transform outdated systems. By leveraging data to create impactful solutions, the startup is setting a standard for how technology can address real-world challenges.
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