Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
WARD Five residents have petitioned Bulawayo City Council over the increasing number of road traffic accidents, some of them fatal, along the Bulawayo–Matopos Road, urging the local authority to urgently install speed humps to deter speeding motorists.
The area covers Four Winds, Eloena and part of the Hillside suburbs.
In their petition, addressed to the Town Clerk and copied to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, as well as the Ministries of Local Government and Public Works and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the residents said that over the past four months, four fatal accidents have occurred along the road, leaving them traumatised.
“We, the undersigned residents of Four Winds, Eloena, and part of Hillside, Bulawayo, hereby submit this petition out of deep concern for the increasing number of accidents and fatalities occurring along the Bulawayo–Matopos Road, particularly the stretch passing through our residential areas. Over the past few months, four tragic deaths have occurred on this section of the road, all attributed to speeding vehicles travelling to and from Matopos. These incidents have left our community in fear and mourning. The road has effectively become a death trap for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike,” wrote the residents.
They said in light of the recurring loss of life, relevant authorities must immediately take remedial action, which may include the erection of speed humps or rumble strips along the residential stretch, as well as the installation of clear road signage indicating reduced speed limits through residential zones.
They also called for enhanced traffic enforcement by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and relevant road safety bodies, as well as improved street lighting and visibility measures for pedestrian safety.
“We draw attention to successful precedents where similar measures were implemented, notably along the Bulawayo–Gweru Highway near Lookout Masuku Barracks and between Gweru and Kwekwe, where the introduction of speed humps significantly reduced accidents and saved lives.
“We therefore petition your offices to act with urgency in implementing safety measures on this road to prevent further unnecessary loss of life. The community stands ready to engage constructively with all authorities to find lasting solutions,” wrote the residents.
Council has acknowledged receipt of the petition and said it is considering implementing the residents’ requests and would do so in line with council procedure.
Council spokesperson Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said while the road was taken over by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, council retains responsibility for ongoing maintenance, or routine maintenance works in the interim, including associated road furniture and speed-reducing structures such as speed humps.
