In a solemn address to the nation, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, expressed profound shock and disbelief over the fatal road traffic accidents that unfolded last weekend.
On 15 March, tragedy struck when a Sinotruck collided head-on with a Toyota Aqua vehicle at the 191 km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, claiming the lives of 5 individuals.
The following day, at the 267 km peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, a City Bus, after hitting a donkey, veered into the lane of a Blue Circle Bus, resulting in a harrowing head-on collision that left 9 people dead and 39 others injured.
In a statement Minister Mhona said that he conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the Ministry, expressing that their prayers are with the injured.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, the injured, and the survivors who witnessed the horrors of these accidents,” remarked Minister Mhona.
He urged the nation to unite and support the affected families and called upon stakeholders to prioritise safety on the roads.
“We urge the nation to unite in support of the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured, fervently hoping to avert further tragedies.
“These incidents serve as a stark reminder to all stakeholders within the road traffic ecosystem to remain vigilant against violations, particularly over speeding, especially as the Easter holidays approach.
“The Ministry calls upon all traffic law enforcement agencies, road traffic safety actors, motorists, and road users to join forces against road fatalities,” emphasized Minister Mhona.
He added that the Second Republic is committed to improve the safety of people on the roads and urged travellers to choose safe mode of transport.
“Rational decision-making in travel choices and prioritizing the use of safer vehicles are crucial components of a safer road traffic management system.
“As advocates for road safety, the Second Republic remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the country’s road safety measures through robust legal, policy, and administrative frameworks,” he said.
The Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, pledges to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary assistance to the affected families and survivors of the accidents.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) recently revealed that road accidents occur every 15 minutes in Zimbabwe, and that the country loses up to 2000 people to road traffic accidents each year.
Story by Anesu January
