Zambia concerned about rise in road accidents

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambia’s government emphasized the need to arrest the growing number of road traffic accidents as the country joined commemorations to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims.

After a prayer vigil late Sunday, Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali said the nation's Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and police should accelerate measures to drastically reduce accidents.

"RTSA and police should implement initiatives that could enhance road safety awareness to motorists, particularly on overspeeding," said Tayali.

The service was held under the theme, “Act for low speeds/act for low speed streets,” with Tayali noting most fatal accidents recently occurred on the Great North Road between the capital of Lusaka and Ndola, the capital of mining Copperbelt Province.

"The government is concerned about the state of the section of the road and the construction of the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway will start in earnest," he added.

According to RTSA Director and Chief Executive Officer Gladwell Banda, 585 people were killed on Zambian roads in the third quarter.

Banda said the number represents a 21% increase when compared to the 483 lives lost during the same period in 2020.

In a statement to reporters in Lusaka on Monday, police spokesman Rae Hamoonga said 18 passengers were injured in an accident that occurred on the same road after the driver of a luxury coach lost control and careered off the road.

Hamoonga said police were also investigating the death of a Lusaka-based member of parliament who died immediately after being hit by a car at the gate of his residence.

He added that police would heed the government's directive for intensified measures against road carnage.