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MP applauds Bulawayo's transport model
43 mins ago |
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Midlands Proportional Representation legislator Perseverance Zhou has commended the Bulawayo City Council for its transport management system, saying it has contributed significantly to reducing road accidents and promoting discipline among commuter omnibus drivers.
Zhou made the remarks in Parliament while debating a report by the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development on the country's rising road traffic accidents.
She urged other urban centres to learn from Bulawayo's approach, which she said had succeeded in organising kombi operations more efficiently than other cities.
"In the morning, as you are driving your car, it is bumper-to-bumper because there are a lot of cars. Therefore, we should respect each other, but the kombis that we have and the drivers leave a lot to be desired," Zhou said.
"The commuter omnibus drivers in Bulawayo are disciplined. There is a model that is there, where all the kombis, you just find them in three or four places. When they are travelling, they do not go everywhere - they have designated routes in and out of town, and they do not interfere with private vehicles."
Zhou also called for more visible and comprehensive road signage, especially at accident-prone areas, arguing that proper markings could help prevent crashes.
"Humps should be erected where necessary. If it is a long stretch, the signage should be visible. And if it is a question of domestic animals or wild animals, drivers should exercise caution, but some do not listen - they just overtake and go," she said.
The MP further urged authorities to mark all known blind spots and consider installing cameras to deter reckless driving.
"I think when it comes to these places, the Minister of Transport should engage religious players and also install cameras, especially on bridges," she said. "Those who overtake on bridges, I think they should be charged."
Zhou's comments come amid growing concern over road safety in Zimbabwe, where thousands of accidents are recorded annually, often attributed to human error, speeding, and poor road infrastructure.
Zhou made the remarks in Parliament while debating a report by the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development on the country's rising road traffic accidents.
She urged other urban centres to learn from Bulawayo's approach, which she said had succeeded in organising kombi operations more efficiently than other cities.
"In the morning, as you are driving your car, it is bumper-to-bumper because there are a lot of cars. Therefore, we should respect each other, but the kombis that we have and the drivers leave a lot to be desired," Zhou said.
"The commuter omnibus drivers in Bulawayo are disciplined. There is a model that is there, where all the kombis, you just find them in three or four places. When they are travelling, they do not go everywhere - they have designated routes in and out of town, and they do not interfere with private vehicles."
Zhou also called for more visible and comprehensive road signage, especially at accident-prone areas, arguing that proper markings could help prevent crashes.
"Humps should be erected where necessary. If it is a long stretch, the signage should be visible. And if it is a question of domestic animals or wild animals, drivers should exercise caution, but some do not listen - they just overtake and go," she said.
The MP further urged authorities to mark all known blind spots and consider installing cameras to deter reckless driving.
"I think when it comes to these places, the Minister of Transport should engage religious players and also install cameras, especially on bridges," she said. "Those who overtake on bridges, I think they should be charged."
Zhou's comments come amid growing concern over road safety in Zimbabwe, where thousands of accidents are recorded annually, often attributed to human error, speeding, and poor road infrastructure.
Source - Southern Eye
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