Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The national pedestrian crossing marking and repainting programme, aimed at improving road safety around schools and protecting vulnerable road users, is continuing countrywide.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of pedestrians being killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents across the country.
The Government recently urged motorists to exercise greater caution when approaching pedestrian crossing points and has acquired specialised equipment to repaint zebra crossings nationwide as part of efforts to reduce road traffic fatalities.
According to police statistics, 2 081 pedestrians were killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents between January and March this year, up from 1 905 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Schoolchildren, pedestrians crossing traffic-controlled intersections, as well as people walking along roadsides and pavements, account for the majority of victims.
The increase in casualties has prompted authorities to intensify road safety interventions, including the refurbishment and repainting of pedestrian crossing points across the country’s 10 provinces.
This week, the teams conducted such campaigns at ZRP Braeside Primary School in Harare.
In a statement, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe said: “TSCZ, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), this week conducted a zebra crossing marking ceremony at Braeside Primary School in Harare as part of the ongoing National Pedestrian Crossing Programme, which seeks to enhance pedestrian safety and create safer roads for all road users across the country.
“The National Pedestrian Crossing Marking Programme continues to make significant strides in improving road safety by ensuring that pedestrian crossings are clearly marked in strategic locations, especially around schools and other high pedestrian traffic areas.
“The initiative reflects a shared commitment to reducing road traffic accidents and fostering a safer road environment for pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and all other road users.
“Through sustained partnerships and coordinated road safety interventions, TSCZ and ZINARA remain dedicated to building safer communities and promoting a culture of road safety throughout Zimbabwe.”
The council said that through collaborative action and sustained road safety initiatives, they remain committed to building a safer road environment where every pedestrian, learner, motorist and cyclist can travel with greater confidence and security.
The nationwide initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure and reduce the number of pedestrian-related accidents on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona recently launched the initiative to repaint pedestrian crossing points and said the Government would continue prioritising safety by curbing road traffic accidents across the country.
