Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara has asked road users in the country to comply with road safety measures to reduce road accidents and save lives.
He said this yesterday in Zomba during the commemoration of the 2024 Africa Road Safety Day under the theme ‘Voluntary compliance with road traffic rules and regulations save lives, non-compliance is fatal’.
Hara said despite the fact that the commemoration was a sombre occasion, at the same time it was vital because it created a platform to reflect on road safety among road users to safeguard their lives.
“Compliance with road safety measures is the message that we should carry in our hearts all year long and put into practice for the rest of our lives,” he said.
Hara said the road is a facilitator of travel and trade which people cannot avoid as long as they live, therefore, it is everybody’s responsibility to abide by road rules and regulations.
The minister said the government will intensify speed checks and drink and drive checks among other risk factors which influence fatal road traffic crashes.
Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services director Andrew Sandula said despite having a small proportion of the world’s total motor vehicle fleet and road network, Malawi registers many road accidents.
He said in 2023 Malawi registered 4 977 road crashes where 1 001 people lost their lives compared with 919 fatal road accidents reported in 2022 where 1 226 people died.
“These statistics are alarming as they represent human lives lost and injured; hence, the need for concerted efforts to curb the scourge,” he said.
Zomba Central legislator Bester Awali (Democratic Progressive Party) called on the ministry to set further road rules and regulations to be tabled in Parliament for adoption.
