The recent spate of horrific car accidents on the Harare-Chirundu road, including one involving Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for immediate action from citizens and motorists.
Justice Chigumba miraculously escaped unharmed after a haulage tanker collided with three vehicles, including hers, on Sunday. In a separate incident, a Facebook user shared a harrowing account of a car accident on the same road, involving a petrol tanker and multiple vehicles. The user credited their safe distance from the vehicles ahead and the use of child safety seats for their narrow escape.
The accidents have highlighted the treacherous state of the Harare-Chirundu road, a critical artery for commerce and travel.The general public and motorists are now demanding that the government takes immediate action to rehabilitate the road, citing the need for basic rights to safe travel.
“We cannot continue to lose lives on this road, the government must act now to fix this road before more people die,” said Karoi based motorist.
“The government must prioritize road safety, We cannot wait for the next budget cycle, lives are at stake,” said another motorist.
In a seperate interview with this publication Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona, assured the public that government was working on the rehabilitation of the Chirundu road as part of the national budget.
“The government is working on the rehabilitation of the Chirundu road as part of the national budget. We understand the urgency of the situation and committed to ensuring that the necessary repairs are made to prevent further accidents,” said Mhona.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for urgent attention to Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure. Citizens and motorists will be watching closely to ensure that the government takes concrete steps to address this critical issue.
