KEY POINTS
- The Beitbridge bus accident has been declared a national disaster.
- The government is urging stronger road safety enforcement.
- Motorists are being asked to drive cautiously to prevent further loss of life.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the Beitbridge bus accident a national disaster, following the tragic loss of 24 lives on the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway on Thursday.
The accident, one of the deadliest in recent months, has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting the government to take swift action.
In his official statement, Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking and unjustified loss of life.
Accorsing to ZBC News, he also announced that victims of the crash would receive State-Assisted Burials, a measure that ensures the government covers funeral expenses for those who lost their lives.
“Fellow Zimbabweans, our nation does not deserve this at all, let alone experiencing such a bloody incident at the beginning of the year,” Mnangagwa said. He extended his condolences to the grieving families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured and hospitalized.
Government calls for tougher road safety measures
The president has urged all relevant government departments to intensify road safety measures, calling on officials to use every legal tool available to prevent further road tragedies.
“All arms of government responsible for road safety must work around the clock and use all legal means to reduce and ultimately put an end to such carnage,” he stated.
The request for public response would benefit Zimbabwe’s road safety situation, as the country faces elevated accident rates resulting from speed violations, dangerous driving and inadequate travel infrastructure.
The current pressure on authorities requires improved traffic regulation enforcement, majority compliance and public transport safety measures.
Motorists urged to exercise extreme caution
Mnangagwa made a personal plea to drivers to maintain extreme caution during their road trips.
“We must do everything possible to curb this unjustified loss of life. I therefore urge all drivers to be extra cautious for the sake of fellow road users and themselves,” he said.
Many fatalities have occurred during recent years on the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway, which operates as a central transportation corridor. The government plans to quicken its pace of road rehabilitation projects to strengthen safety.
The nation of Zimbabwe mourns, while concentrating on road safety measures to avoid future accidents and improve road conditions for its citizens.
