Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe yesterday launched the Easter Road Safety Awareness Campaign at Rainbow Towers to engage relevant authorities in combating Easter road carnage.
Hon Sacco
At the launch, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honorable J.K. Sacco, praised the government’s efforts in establishing the emergency road rehabilitation program.
“The 2024 Easter period coincides with the Government of Zimbabwe’s significant progress in road rehabilitation and construction.
“Hundreds of kilometers of roads across the country have been rehabilitated, constructed, commissioned, and are now in use,” he said.
However, the Minister expressed concern about speeding motorists taking advantage of the well-constructed roads.
“We sadly note with concern that the wider, smoother roads seem to have unleashed the beast of recklessness,” he said.
He added, “The intended benefits of road rehabilitation will come to nothing if road traffic accidents continue unabated.”
Furthermore, he advised the public to avoid using pirate taxis and to opt for registered public transport to prevent loss of life.
“Avoid mushika-shika or Zvipipipi and use registered public transport for your safety,” advises Hon Sacco.
Moreover, Hon Sacco emphasized the importance of ensuring the driver’s physical, emotional, and mental readiness before driving.
“It is of utmost importance to ensure that the driver is in the correct physical, emotional, and mental state before undertaking the driving task,” he said.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe
Mrs Kudhanga, Deputy Chairperson of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, emphasized that drivers must remain alert every second while behind the wheel.
“I emphasize that drivers must remain alert every second while behind the wheel,” she said.
Furthermore, she said TSCZ has trained people through Road Safety Champions to directly assist accident victims.
“The TSCZ has trained 979 Road Safety Champions in passenger, pedestrian, and cycling safety, including chiefs and religious leaders.
“I am confident that the Road Safety Championing will contribute to saving lives on our roads in the fight against road carnage.
“In addition, TSCZ has trained 110 first responders in high-accident areas to provide immediate help in crashes,” she said.
Ministry of Provincial Affairs
The Minister of State For Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon C.
Tawengwa presented by Mrs Nyakudyara called on the ZRP forces to assist in the fight of road accidents.
“We employ our security services, ZRP, to continue working tirelessly in law enforcement.
“I wish to acknowledge the work of the law enforcers did under Operation Let’s Tame The Traffic Jungle Together which started last year and indeed the Harare roads where decongested,” she said.
Ministry of Home Affairs
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Chido Sanyatwe, emphasized the need for ZRP forces to assist in fighting road carnage.
“ZRP will heavily deploy on roadblocks in strategic positions along the highways and hold drunken drivers accountable using breathalyzer,” said Hon Sanyatwe.
Government officials, ZRP officials, church leaders, Passenger Associations, Drivers Associations, Bus Operators, Ambulance Professionals Association, and the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe graced the launch of the Easter Road Safety Awareness Campaign.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe is also running the ‘Kodzero Kumufambi’ platform for passengers to report misunderstandings with operators.
During the launch, it was advised to use the toll-free line 991 for the Zimbabwe Ambulance Professional Association in emergencies.
Story by Farirai Mutumburanzou
