Story by John Nhandara
CALLS are intensifying for tougher enforcement of road traffic laws and a coordinated national response to stem the rising tide of fatal road accidents that continue to claim lives across Zimbabwe.
The growing concern follows a tragic five-day period in which 24 people were killed in three separate major road accidents, sparking national outrage and renewed demands for urgent road safety reforms.
Citizens across the country are now urging authorities to strengthen enforcement measures, tighten penalties for offenders and improve compliance with traffic regulations.
“We are saddened that we continue to lose our relatives in road accidents, and we call for interventions,” a citizen said.
“Punitive measures must be put in place for drivers who fail to obey road regulations,” a resident said.
“Deterrent measures and strict enforcement measures are the way to go,” another Harare resident said.
Transport stakeholders have also weighed in, calling for stricter monitoring of public transport operators and enhanced safety mechanisms on the country’s roads.
“We need to ensure our public transport network has speed limit devices and also ensure transport operators have breathalysers to ensure no one drives while drunk,” Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation member, Mr Robert Mukumba said.
Government says efforts are already underway to strengthen road safety systems and address reckless driving, which remains the leading cause of most accidents.
“We have TSCZ, which superintends over traffic safety issues. We are seized with the Road Accident Bill, not only focusing on accidents, but also the post-crash issues. So the Bill will be tabled soon. We are collaborating, applying the whole-of-government approach.
“We are also installing cameras through the Integrated Traffic Management System. In terms of the statistics, most of the accidents are attributed to human error, so we continue to educate our motorists that they need to exercise extreme caution,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has meanwhile shifted focus towards improving pedestrian safety amid growing concerns over hit-and-run incidents and pedestrian fatalities.
“We have seen that pedestrians are also victims of road accidents and hit-and-run incidents, so we are increasing pedestrian crossing points,” TSCZ Managing Director, Mr Munesu Munodawafa said.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has since directed all Government departments and agencies responsible for road safety to urgently strengthen coordination and enforcement efforts aimed at ending the country’s road carnage.
