President Emmerson Mnangagwa has proclaimed the deadly road crash which occurred Wednesday morning at Dzivarasekwa turn-off, often referred to as PaMagetsi, a National Disaster.
An incident resulting in seven fatalities occurred when a Toyota Hiace combi collided with both a haulage truck and a UD truck. The cause was attributed to the reckless driving of a commuter omnibus operator.
On Thursday, Mnangagwa released a statement saying that the individuals who died in the incident would receive a funeral with state assistance.
"The government has designated this terrible incident as a National Disaster and will provide state support to the affected individuals. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the families and friends of those who have lost their beloved, and I hope for swift recoveries for everyone hurt and hospitalized," stated Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa advised all public transportation providers and drivers to remain cautious at all times, especially when nearing crossroads.
“I urgently request both the general commuters and transportation providers to refrain from utilizing intersections and other hazardous areas alongside the roads as locations for picking up and dropping off passengers. Additionally, I urge every driver to steer clear of reckless behavior and to maintain utmost care for the well-being of all individuals who use the roads,” he stated.
Mnangagwa additionally emphasized to everyone that being a party to the SADC Protocol on Transport, Zimbabwe is obligated to standardize its traffic rules. These regulations should be adhered to by every driver.
"I would like to point out that Zimbabwe has signed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology. This protocol aimed at aligning policies, institutions, and practices among member states, resulting in modifications to certain traffic laws and regulations," he emphasized.
This is the second incident that Mnangagwa has labeled as a national disaster within just two months.
Only a few weeks ago, Mnangagwa labeled the Beitbridge incident, where 24 people lost their lives, as a national tragedy. He assured that the government would provide support for burying the victims. The President then voiced his shock and sorrow over this devastating loss of human life.
The frequency of Zimbabwean fatalities due to accidents is alarming, akin to an incessant bad dream.
The persistent inability of the authorities to control careless commuter and bus drivers, who frequently fall short regarding safety standards and rules, has led to increasingly harsh criticisms directed at them.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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