Grim tally of road traffic accidents must end

Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter

TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, has directed the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) to factor in climate change and technological advancement contribution to road accidents saying the rampant spate of accidents on the country’s roads must come to an end.

He was speaking during the TSCZ Strategic Planning Meeting in Bulawayo on Friday where stakeholders gathered to map new direction for the agency covering the period 2026-2030 under the second leg of the National Development Strategy (NDS2).

The minister’s call comes ahead of the festive season, at a time when the country is reporting high road carnage with 52 288 accidents being recorded last year, claiming 2 015 lives while 10 074 people were injured. Five people are killed on the country`s road daily according to statistics.

“Infrastructure is not the only panacea to the road safety challenges. There are other challenges like the issues of climate change, they impact on our infrastructure with a bearing on road safety,” said Mhona in a speech read on his behalf by the ministry’s principal director for transport management, Mr Allowance Sango.

“We also have technological advancements that we need to prepare for. We have driverless vehicles are we preparing ourselves for that infrastructure.”

Minister Mhona challenged TSCZ to be at the forefront in preparing the country for any changes happening in the technological sector, which affect transport.

He said there was a need to also consider importation of non-fossil vehicles as the country is a signatory to convection to ban these by 2030.

“We are a signatory the convection of banning non fossil drive vehicles. How far are we as country as we relate to that? We seem to continue to import bigger engine powered vehicles,” he said.

“TSCZ you have a role to play. Electric vehicles are the way to go towards the greener future. We also have the three wheelers we need to fact them in our training curriculum so that we fact in the dynamics happening in the world.”

Minister Mhona praised TSCZ for the progress made in the construction of the Masvingo Office, which is at 87 percent completion, the Mpopoma Traffic Training Centre (TTC), which is 75 percent completion and the Shurugwi-Mandamabwe roadside fencing project, which is at 60 percent.

He also commended TSCZ for its work in the crafting of the Principles of the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
“This initiative addresses the critical “Post-Crash Response” pillar, ensuring that the aftermath of a tragedy is managed with compassion and efficiency.

“Similarly, your leadership in steering the consultative processes for the RAF Bill is both noted and applauded,” said the minister.

“Let me state this in the clearest terms possible, the central thrust for TSCZ during the NDS2 period will be its complete transformation into a premier, lead road safety agency.”

Minister Mhona said there was need to recognise the urgent need for a cohesive and comprehensive National Road Safety Policy (NRSP) to help address the current rate of carnage on the roads.

He bemoaned the high incidents of road accidents in the country and said Government was moving to stop it.

“The grim tally of road traffic accidents must never be allowed to degenerate into a mere abstraction, a collection of sterile statistics. Each number represents a vibrant life extinguished; a beloved friend, a cherished relative, an innocent and defenseless child; all lost to circumstances that are, in their essence, preventable,” said Minister Mhona.

“This is a national hemorrhage we can, and must, stop. As Government, we declare that this era of acceptable loss must cease. We must shift our paradigm from reactive mourning to proactive safeguarding,” he added.
Speaking at the same occasion, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Policy Coordination, Ms Beulah Gwaze, challenged motorists to sober up ahead of the fast-approaching festive season to help reduce traffic accidents.

“The timing of this workshop is particularly astute, as it comes just ahead of the festive season; a period of joyous reunion that, tragically, often turns into a season of mourning on our roads,” she said. “As travel peaks, regrettably at times excitement can eclipse caution leading to needless and preventable loss of precious lives.

“I must issue a heartfelt plea to every citizen, life is a journey, not a race. Let us not sacrifice the destination for the fleeting thrill of the speed,” said Minister Ncube.
— @themkhust