Story by ZBC News Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the road traffic accident which occurred in Harare Wednesday morning a national disaster.
In a statement, President Mnangagwa said the eight people who died in the accident will be accorded state-assisted funerals.
The President also consoled families of the deceased and wished the 11 injured victims a speedy recovery.
“I express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to families and relatives who have lost their loved ones as well as prayerfully wish all those injured and hospitalised a speedy recovery.”
The President also called on motorists to always be alert and adhere to traffic rules, some of which have changed following the harmonisation of rules and policies under the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology.
“I call upon the commuting public and transport operators to avoid using intersections and other dangerous spots along the roads as pick-up and drop-off points. I also appeal to all motorists to avoid reckless driving and to exercise extreme caution for the safety of all road users,” the President said.
President Mnangagwa called on all government agencies responsible for road safety to stay aligned with evolving traffic regulations by further enhancing roads and signage, while also ramping up information campaigns.
“One of the old practices causing accidents involves giving way to traffic coming from the right on four-way and uncontrolled intersections, while the new regulations require that motorists proceed on a first-in-first-out basis.
“In that regard, all arms of government that are responsible for ensuring road safety are thus reminded to not only continue improving roads and signage but also intensify information campaigns on the changes in our traffic laws to improve public awareness, especially that of motorists,” he said.
