Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has commemorated the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, with Government launching a nationwide initiative to repaint pedestrian crossings in an effort to reduce the growing number of hit-and-run road traffic accidents.
The commemorations form part of a global campaign mandated by the United Nations and led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to promote life-saving road safety interventions, safer infrastructure and sustainable transport systems.
Police statistics show that more than 2 081 pedestrians were killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents between January and March this year, compared to 1 905 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Most victims include schoolchildren, pedestrians crossing roads at zebra crossings and traffic-controlled intersections, as well as people walking along pavements.
The increase in such accidents has prompted Government to procure equipment for repainting pedestrian crossing points across all 10 provinces as part of efforts to improve road safety and visibility.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona announced the initiative during the road safety week commemorations, where he officially launched the pedestrian crossing repainting programme.
He was accompanied by the ministry’s permanent secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) board chairperson Mr Kura Sibanda, TSCZ managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume and Zinara board member Retired Colonel Charles Mugari.
Speaking during the event, Minister Mhona said Government would continue prioritising measures aimed at reducing road traffic accidents nationwide.
“What we have done is to enhance road safety initiatives by working closely with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Zinara. We have procured paint to repaint zebra crossings and continue road marking programmes in all 10 provinces,” he said.
“We have also procured road-marking machines for all provinces so that the work can be carried out efficiently and quickly.”
Minister Mhona said Government would also intensify public awareness campaigns to educate pedestrians on the importance of using designated crossing points.
“We want people to understand that they cannot simply cross roads anywhere. There are designated crossing points that must be used, and today we have demonstrated the importance of using zebra crossings,” he said.
The minister expressed concern over continued loss of life on the country’s roads, revealing that 10 people had recently died in a road accident along the Gokwe-Kwekwe Road.
“We are saddened as a nation and continue to mourn. We cannot continue losing precious lives on our roads,” he said.
Minister Mhona appealed to motorists to exercise caution whenever approaching pedestrian crossings and to respect pedestrians using zebra crossings.
“In other countries, motorists stop and respect pedestrians at zebra crossings. I urge Zimbabwean motorists to do the same as we continue promoting road safety through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe board chairperson Mr Kura Sibanda said the organisation would continue conducting road safety awareness campaigns across the country and implementing measures aimed at reducing road carnage.
