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Freeman Razemba and Victor Maphosa
Government has inaugurated a Traffic Training Centre in Chivhu, reinforcing its commitment to road safety in alignment with President Mnangagwa’s principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
The centre, built by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), was officially opened by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona yesterday.
The event took place at Hokonya Primary School and was attended by senior Government officials.
Minister Mhona expressed enthusiasm for the new facility, emphasising its role in promoting road safety.
“This training centre has become a central watershed for road safety in this part of the country. It serves as a train-the-trainers centre where teachers, students, and the public can gain knowledge to influence others,” he said.
Minister Mhona highlighted the multi-stakeholder responsibility of road safety management, noting that the development of Traffic Training Centres aims to address the limitations learners face regarding safe participation on the roads.
“The objective is to give learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge and practice safer road use methods in a safe simulated traffic situation,” he said.
The Minister assured guests at the ceremony about Government’s ongoing support for the TSCZ.
He said new regulations, such as the requirement for Public Service Vehicle drivers to be at least 30 years old, have been implemented to enhance safety on the roads.
“Let me underscore the need for everyone to join hands with us in our quest to promote road safety and to put measures to avoid the continuous loss of lives in our country,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Aplonia Munzverengwi, represented by Mr Douglas Dzukwa, praised the initiative as critical for improving traffic management systems and reducing road accidents.
“This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with modern technology and trained personnel to ensure effective traffic monitoring and enforcement,” she said.
Minister Munzverengwi highlighted the need for such infrastructure, especially given the province’s history of road accidents, particularly along the Harare-Marondera and Harare-Masvingo highways.
Mr Kura Sibanda, TSCZ chairperson, remarked on the significance of the centre in achieving the United Nations goal of reducing road carnage.
He emphasised the importance of early education in road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as children.
He noted alarming statistics from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, which reported that in the first half of 2022, there were 124 road traffic crashes near schools, resulting in 24 fatalities and 32 injuries among children.
“The construction of this Traffic Training Centre remains an important factor in aiding the provision of road safety education to school children,” he said.
Mr Sibanda stressed that children have unique physical and mental characteristics that limit their ability to handle complex traffic situations.
“It is our responsibility as adults to protect our children and equip them with knowledge concerning road safety,” he added.
The Chivhu Traffic Training Centre stands as a beacon of hope in promoting road safety education, equipping future generations with the knowledge they need to navigate traffic safely.
Through collaboration and commitment, the Government and local authorities aim to foster a safer environment for all road users.
As the centre begins its operations, there is optimism that it will make a tangible difference in reducing road accidents and enhancing the overall safety of the roads in Zimbabwe.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to not only safeguard lives but also to encourage responsible behaviour among road users, thereby contributing to the long-term vision of a safer, more informed society.
Online Reporter