Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
ROAD carnage and accident responsiveness came under the spotlight during this Wednesday’s Parliament session, with government pledging commitment to ensure the country’ s roads are safe.
After the recent road traffic fatalities, enhancing road safety was topical during this Wednesday’s National Assembly sitting.
“Research indicates that traffic accidents are due to human error. People are driving under the influence of alcohol and others are just disregarding the road rules. We therefore need to investigate the mental state of motorists, and we are also going to enhance awareness on safe driving. Plans are also on course to introduce passenger and goods trains to ensure haulage trucks are not allowed on the roads,” said Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona.
Local Government and Public Works Minister, Honourable Daniel Garwe weighed in, “The government has capacitated all local authorities with fire-fighting equipment, each urban local authority was given two fire tenders. The civil protection department is swift and efficient in responding to tragedies. However, the responsiveness is subject to the time the accident was reported.”
During the parliamentary session, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere clarified on radio licencing issues under the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act.
“Yesterday the cabinet approved the review of licenses, levies and fees. The Broadcasting Services Act empowers the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation in consultation with the Minister of Information to review the pricing modalities including the exemption modalities as well. And then through a statutory instrument gazette a new pricing structure. So as soon as the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation relates to the minister through a statutory instrument exemption can still apply,” he said.
Plans are also on course to integrate the ZBC and ZINARA licences into one disc.
Meanwhile, legislators also called on government to intensify efforts towards eliminating violence against women in politics and curbing child sexual exploitation.
