Mhona Urges Transporters To Join Industry Associat...

Mhona Urges Transporters To Join Industry Associations To Promote Compliance

Zim Now Writer

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Tapiwa Mhona has urged transporters to join industry associations that will be responsible for fostering self-regulation and compliance among its members through a standard code of conduct focused on road safety.

He stated that the recent spate of fatal road traffic accidents, which have claimed over 20 lives, serves as a wake-up call for road users to strictly observe traffic laws.

Investigations indicate that the majority of these accidents were caused by excessive speeding and the use of unroadworthy public service vehicles.

In a statement, Mhona revealed that a total, 26 people were killed and 56 others were injured in five separate road crashes across the country in recent days.

"It is with a heavy heart that I address the nation on the recent spate of road traffic crashes witnessed during the past two weeks.

"Tragically, a cumulative total of 26 people were killed whilst 56 others were injured in five separate road crashes, involving public services vehicles, which occurred in Melfort, Mutoko, Esigodini, Rusape and Mazowe.

"Indeed, this is the worst nightmare to lose several of our loved ones in these terrible crashes, and it is certainly the worst nightmare that families and the whole nation can endure.

"Our thoughts are with the victims of the crashes, the bereaved families, the injured and the survivors who witnessed the gruesome, traumatic and dark moments of the crashes.

"During this sombre period, we call upon the whole nation to commiserate with the affected families, at a time when we wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

“We only wish that we do not record further casualties as the survivors continue to receive treatment and care,” he said.

He added that all traffic law enforcement agencies, road traffic safety actors, motorists and road users must work together against road fatalities.

"Incidences of this nature only serve as a clarion call to all our stakeholders of the road traffic ecosystem, including motorists, operators and passengers to be more vigilant against road traffic violations, especially speeding and the use of unroadworthy vehicles.

"All those who violate road traffic laws shall be held accountable without fear or favour.

"Furthermore, to strengthen the role of the Transport Operator’s Association in achieving better levels of compliance and safety within the sector, every freight and passenger transport operator is encouraged to be part of an Association of their choice.

"The Associations should be properly constituted and registered; and will be responsible for fostering self-regulation for compliance of their members through a standard code of conduct of road safety.

"We urge the nation to formulate rational decisions in making travel choices and prioritise the use of safer vehicles with the right state of mind.

“Rational behaviours and attitudes are ingredients of a safer road traffic management regime, where all actors play their part in traffic safety.”