Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Bureau
THE Government has rolled out a comprehensive plan outlining measures aimed at ensuring the smooth hosting of 46th national Independence Day celebrations at Maphisa Stadium in Matobo District, with a strong focus on the security and safety of delegates and motorists travelling to the venue.
As part of the preparations, authorities have activated a National Emergency Response Plan designed to enhance coordination, minimise risks and guarantee a secure environment during the national event.
The plan, released by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works yesterday is being coordinated by the Chief Director Civil Protection, Mr Nathan Nkomo and covers key areas including road safety enforcement, public awareness campaigns and resource prepositioning.
Under road safety enforcement, law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify traffic monitoring along major routes leading to Maphisa, with particular attention on speeding, overloading and reckless driving. Roadblocks and patrols will be increased to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, while emergency response teams will be on standby to attend to any incidents.
“Preparedness measures (pre-event phase) will include intensifying traffic law enforcement through roadblocks and patrols, enforcing speed limits, seatbelt use and zero tolerance for drunk driving and mandatory inspection of public service vehicles, including checking for passenger insurance.
“Deployment of ambulances, tow trucks and fire tenders along major highways – high-risk zones. Strategic points along major routes to Matobo have been prioritised,” reads part of the plan.
According to the plan hospitals and clinics along major routes are expected to preposition supplies and have medical personnel on standby.
On the actual day of the celebrations, temporary traffic control points will be established plus the designation of entry and exit routes for Maphisa and parking zones to reduce congestion.
“For emergency response deployment, rapid response teams will be stationed every 50–100 km along major highways, ensure 24/7 operational readiness of ambulances, fire and rescue services and air evacuation for critical cases.
“There will be the activation of a National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Department of Civil Protection in Harare, establishment of a District EOC in Matobo District and also real-time information sharing among stakeholders,” reads part of the plan.
On incident management, the plan states that there will be quick clearance of accident scenes to avoid secondary collisions and also the provision of on-site first aid, casualty evacuation and the activation of referral pathways to designated hospitals.
On measures that have been set as priorities to ensure disaster-free celebrations, the topmost is the activation of an on-site Command Centre led by the Department of Civil Protection at Maphisa for quick response to any emergencies.
“Further there will be the activation of second and third Command Centres in Bulawayo and Gwanda, deployment of five fire tenders, two at the stadium and three along Bulawayo-Kezi Road and four Heavy Load Tow Trucks and five Small Tow Trucks to be deployed at strategic points for quick response.
“Three Emergency Patients Wards will be established at Kezi, Mpilo and the United Bulawayo Hospitals, two helicopters at Maphisa and the other one midway along Bulawayo-Kezi Road, six ambulances to positioned at the venue and for along Bulawayo-Kezi Road,” reads the plan. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has been tasked to strengthen road safety and emergency response measures along all major access routes to the venue.
“The anticipated increase in traffic volumes necessitates the urgent installation and visibility enhancement of road signage on the main roads leading to Maphisa. This includes clear and strategically placed signs indicating narrow bridges, low-clearance bridges, speed restrictions and the presence of speed humps to regulate vehicular movement.
“Such measures will play a critical role in reducing the risk of road traffic accidents and ensuring the safe and orderly flow of traffic.
“To ease traffic pressure particularly along the Bulawayo–Kezi-Maphisa Road, it is recommended that traffic be decongested through the utilisation of alternative routes to Maphisa such as the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, among other access routes. Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to guide motorists on these alternative corridors, thereby distributing traffic more evenly and reducing bottlenecks,” reads the plan.
As a preparedness measure, Jet A1 fuel has been prepositioned to enhance emergency medical response capabilities.
According to the plan, this will facilitate efficient airlifting services for critically injured persons to referral medical centres, ensuring timely access to life-saving treatment
Security agencies have also heightened their presence in and around Maphisa to guarantee the safety of delegates, including senior Government officials, invited guests and members of the public expected to attend the celebrations.
The 46th Independence celebrations are expected to draw thousands of people from across the country, making safety and efficient coordination a top priority for authorities.
