President Cde, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has declared the Harare-Nyamapanda accident a National Disaster.
The Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon Adv Felix Tapiwa Mhona, announced in a press statement released yesterday.
“His Excellency, the President, Cde E.D Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27 (1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] following the tragic road traffic crash that claimed ten (10) lives at the 185km peg near Suswe along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road.
“This declaration enables Government to mobilize and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this painful period,” said Hon Mhona.
The crash occurred when a Honda Fit carrying 10 occupants, travelling from Mutoko to Kotwa was involved in a head on collision with a haulage truck enroute to Harare.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Honda Fit encroached into the oncoming lane, resulting in the fatal collision.
All ten occupants of the Honda Fit died on the spot, while four occupants of the haulage truck survived.
Honorable Mhona conveyed condolence message to the affected families on behalf of the Government.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, i extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Loosing 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,” announced Acting Minister of Local Government Hon Mhona.
The Minister also noted with concern the prevalence of ‘mushika shika’ and highlighted the need to deal with this menace as part of efforts to improve road safety.
“This heartbreaking incident also highlights the urgent need to decisively address illegal transport operators (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,” he said.
He concluded by urging road users to exercise caution on the road.
Hon Mhona, who is also the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development launched the road traffic safety campaign at Gosha, Juru on Wednesday, 17 December.
He also announced that ambulances for quick response will be located at toll gates across the country.
His Ministry also launched the Road Accident Fund this year.
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Story by Jeremiah Gora
