Story by Vivian Bangamu
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster following a fatal road accident near Suswe along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road, which claimed the lives of 10 people on Wednesday.
The declaration is intended to facilitate coordinated support for the affected families and communities. Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Felix Mhona, said the measure enables government to mobilise resources to assist the bereaved.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Losing so many lives in a single incident is a profound national tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are mourning. Government, through the Civil Protection Department and relevant agencies, will provide the necessary assistance to the affected families, including support towards funeral arrangements and other immediate needs,” he said.
The minister also added that this accident has highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of Mushika-shika.
“This heartbreaking incident also highlights the urgent need to decisively address illegal transport operations (Mushika-shika) and reckless driving on our roads. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to negligence and disregard for traffic laws. The Government will enforce road safety regulations firmly to protect the travelling public,” Minister Mhona said.
The accident occurred when a Honda Fit, which was carrying 10 passengers, travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa, collided head-on with a haulage truck which was headed to Harare.
All passengers in the Honda Fit died on the spot, while the four occupants in the haulage truck survived.
Minister Mhona has also urged all road users: drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to exercise maximum caution as well as respect traffic rules, and prioritise safety at all times.
