Story by Peter Chivhima
GOVERNMENT is partnering with transport operators to reduce road carnage and ensure the safety of passengers during the Easter and Independence Holidays.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transporter Organisation chairperson, Dr Samson Nhanhanga and ZUPCO acting chief executive officer Mr Tineyi Rwasoka are convinced the deliberations will ensure a road carnage-free holiday.
As Zimbabwe Passenger Transporter Organisation we are concerned by the rate of accidents on our roads. As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring that our clients, the passengers have a memorable and enjoyable hustle-free holiday. We are working together with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe so that we can achieve memorable and enjoyable holidays. We are encouraging our crews to observe road rules and regulations,” said Nhanhanga.
“This Easter and Independence holidays we are saying no to road traffic accidents. In that vein, we are encouraging our crews to exercise caution on our roads,” noted Rwasoka.
The historic meeting which was attended by more than 10 bus operators was organised by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, with Managing Director Mr Munesu Munodawafa noting the need for collaboration of all stakeholders to reduce road carnage.
“The meeting we are having with bus operators comes against the backdrop of the meeting we held last week in Mutare. We want safety on our roads and that’s the direction we want to follow. So today we have called major bus operators in our country so that we map the way forward on how we can reduce accidents. So, bus operators, have pledged a bloody free holiday. They have pledged buses which are roadworthy,” noted Monodawafa.
The platform was also an opportunity for the ZRP to warn errant drivers against breaching road rules.
ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “We have deployed a team of police officers countrywide to monitor and see how we can reduce road accidents during the Easter Holiday. We want to take this opportunity to appeal to drivers to respect road rules and comply with the Police,”
Road traffic accidents usually increase during holidays with pirate taxis at the centre of the calamity due to reckless driving.
