Chronicle EditorMichelle Moyo, [email protected]
A TOTAL of 26 people were killed and 56 others injured, in five separate road crashes involving public service vehicles over the weekend, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures in Zimbabwe.
The accidents occurred in Melfort, Mutoko, Esigodini, Rusape, and Mazowe.
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in improving road safety in recent years, with concerted efforts by the Government and transport authorities to upgrade infrastructure, enhance enforcement, and promote public awareness.
The country has also seen a growth in the use of public transport, with many citizens relying on buses and commuter omnibuses to get to work, school, and other destinations.
Despite this progress, occasional accidents still occur, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and improvement.
Minister Felix Mhona lamented the loss of life and injury caused by the recent road accidents, offering his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving road safety and urged drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and respect the rules of the road.
Minister Mhona further announced plans to intensify enforcement and education campaigns to prevent such incidents in the future.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address the nation on the recent spate of road traffic crashes witnessed during the past two weeks. Tragically, a cumulative total of 26 people were killed whilst 56 others were injured in five separate road crashes, involving public service vehicles, Indeed, this is the worst nightmare to lose several of our beloved ones in these terrible crashes, and it is certainly the worst nightmare that families and the whole nation can endure, Our thoughts are with the victims of the crashes, the bereaved families, the injured and the survivors who witnessed the gruesome, traumatic and dark moments of the crashes,” said Minister Mhona.
He called upon the nation to join him in offering condolences to the families affected by the tragic accidents, and to wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
The minister also expressed hope that there will be no further loss of life as the survivors continue to receive medical treatment and care.
The Minister’s words echoed a sense of unity and compassion, as the country comes together to support those affected by the recent road accidents.
“Incidences of this nature only serve as a clarion call to all our stakeholders of the road traffic ecosystem, including motorists, operators and passengers to be more vigilant against road traffic violations, especially over speeding and the use of unroadworthy vehicles. All those who violate road traffic laws shall be held accountable without fear or favour.”
Minister Mhona advised that to strengthen the role of the Transport Operator’s Association in achieving better levels of compliance and safety within the sector, every freight and passenger operator will be required to register with the Association. The Associations should be properly constituted and registered; and will be responsible for fostering self-regulation for compliance of their members through a standard code of conduct of road safety.
The Ministry rallies all traffic law enforcement agencies, road traffic safety actors, motorists and road users to collaborate against road fatalities.
“We urge the nation to formulate rational decisions in making travel choices and prioritise the use of safer vehicles with the right state of mind. Rational behaviours and attitudes are ingredients of a safer road traffic management regime, where all actors play their part for traffic safety,” he said.
Minister Mhona further assured the nation that the Second Republic is committed to the formulation of robust legal, policy and administrative mechanisms to improve the country’s road safety regime and performance.
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