Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube Zimpapers Reporter
Bulawayo’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads as the festive season approaches, emphasizing the need to reduce the high number of traffic accidents.
The country recorded 52 288 accidents last year which claimed 2 015 lives with over 10 000 injuries.
Minister Ncube said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Deputy Director of Policy Coordination Ms Beulah Gwaze during the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe’s strategic planning session at a local hotel.
“The spectre of road traffic accidents continues to cast a long and dark shadow over our nation. The statistics from 2024 are not merely alarming; they are a clarion call for urgent, transformative action. With 52 288 recorded accidents, culminating in 2 015 precious lives lost and 10 074 of our citizens injured, we are facing a serious problem that demands a paradigm shift in our collective response.
“These are not numbers; they are a national eulogy, a masterpiece of silenced dreams, and a stark reminder that we need to change our course,” she said.
Minister Ncube said the strategic planning workshop was crucial in coming up with strategies to save lives.
She said that with the festive season around the corner, sober minds are needed on the steering wheels.
“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. As travel peaks, regrettably at times excitement can eclipse caution leading to needless and preventable loss of precious lives,” she said.
“I must issue a heartfelt plea to every citizen: life is a journey, not a race. Let us not sacrifice the destination for the thrill of the speed,” said the Minister.
She said every stakeholder must play their part in “championing soberness behind the wheel “.
The Minister also urged drivers to enrol for defensive driving courses as it plays a key role in preventing road accidents.
