Source: Fifty mobile teams, ambulances deployed for Independence holidays – herald
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
FIFTY mobile teams from law enforcement agencies and 30 ambulances will remain deployed countrywide on all major highways to curb road carnage during this year’s Independence Day holiday celebrations, police have said.
The mobile teams, comprising the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) and Road Motor Transportation (RMT), will conduct road safety awareness campaigns, while enforcement agencies will bring traffic offenders to book.
In an interview, TSCZ managing director Mr Munesu Munodawafa said increased traffic was expected, particularly on routes leading to Maphisa in Matabeleland South Province, where the 46th Independence celebrations will be held.
“As we head towards the 46th Independence Uhuru celebrations, we take note that we will be having increased traffic on our roads, particularly focused on and travelling to Maphisa and the southern region in general,” Mr Munodawafa said.
“So we have also upped our campaigns where we urge motorists to exercise caution on the roads, to travel during the day, to avoid speeding and to avoid unnecessary overtaking.
“We have deployed our 50 educational teams, comprising 33 static and 17 mobile teams. This time around, it is both educational and enforcement, since we are partnering with the ZRP, VID, RMT and ourselves.”
Mr Munodawafa urged those travelling to Maphisa to take note of the designated routes to the venue.
“As a precaution, we have also deployed some 30 ambulances for emergency rescue services. We want to urge the public to take note of the contact numbers, in the likely event that they are involved in an accident,” he said.
“Instead of just taking videos and pictures, we urge members of the public to render emergency response services so that people can get assistance within the golden hour. Overall, we urge the public to drive cautiously so that we reduce, and if possible cut to zero, accidents during the Independence holidays, when we should be celebrating and not crying or mourning.”
Earlier this month, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona launched the Easter and Independence road safety awareness and enforcement campaigns along the Harare–Chirundu Highway in Mashonaland West.
“This year, the Easter and Independence Road Safety Awareness Campaign is running under the theme ‘Watch the kilometre ahead’, which serves as an emotional reminder of the journeys we undertake, both literally and figuratively,” Minister Mhona said.
“Reflecting on that kilometre ahead, we envision not just the road, but the lives that depend on it. Each kilometre represents precious moments with our loved ones, memories waiting to be created and the safe return of every individual to their home.”
Minister Mhona said speeding remains one of the primary contributors to road traffic crashes and urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, especially in residential areas and near schools.
Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has directed all Officers Commanding Police provinces to put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the public at gatherings at national, provincial and district levels.
The ZRP will be on high alert, conducting roadblocks, stop-and-search blitzes and patrols to maintain law and order throughout the holidays. Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution and comply with the country’s road rules and regulations.
Comm-Gen Mutamba implored members of the public to use roadworthy, registered and duly licensed public transport, stating that the use of unregistered vehicles, including those without number plates, will not be allowed by police.
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