Mnangagwa speaks on road traffic accidents spike

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has raised concern over the surge in road traffic accidents in the country that has attributed to recklessness.

Mnangagwa encouraged motorists and the public to be cautious on the newly rehabilitated roads that have seen most of the accidents occur.

His remarks came as he officially commissioned the new VVIP Pavilion at the Robert Mugabe International airport, where he urged the public to quickly adapt to new realities that have seen construction and rehabilitation of road infrastructure, a development that many are yet to get used to, especially motorists.

Mnangagwa has also been made aware of road traffic accidents that have claimed many lives such as the one in Chivhu- Nyanga and recently the one along Seke road that claimed seven lives. Fatalities during the Heroes and Defense Forces day holidays accumulated to 16 casualties with 77 injured.

In his remarks, Mnangagwa stated, “With regards to the numerous roads that have been rehabilitated and modernised throughout the country, I am gravely alarmed by the number of road traffic accidents. Let us quickly adapt to the emerging realities associated with our fast approaching upper-middle income society status with a higher quality of life. Let us save lives by being cautious on our roads.”

Jointly, police Commissioner-General, Godwin Matanga and spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, have echoed the same statements and condemned negligence and recklessness that is being displayed on the roads by motorists and public transport operators, with the police boss urging road users to be cautious on the newly rehabilitated road.

Commissioner Nyathi said, “Some of the accidents recorded during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays were caused by reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding and overtaking errors. The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should be patient on the roads and avoid overtaking when it is not safe to do so.

"Above all, drivers should adhere to all road rules and regulations in order to curb continuous loss of lives through road traffic accidents.”