Zimbabwe is losing about US$400 million every year to road accidents, and the country is seeing a worrying number of fatalities—41 deaths for every 100,000 people.
Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairman Tawanda Karikoga revealed the statistics while presenting a report on the ongoing road carnage. Said Karikoga:
“Beyond the human toll, the economic consequences are staggering, with road traffic crashes costing the nation an estimated US$400mn annually, an amount equivalent to a significant percentage of the country’s GDP.”
Karikoga also revealed that road traffic accidents are the third leading cause of death in Zimbabwe, after HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. He said:
“On average, more than 2,000 people die annually, while over 30,000 are injured, many of whom suffer lifelong disabilities.
“The impact of road accidents extends beyond human suffering. The economic costs, including healthcare expenditures, loss of productivity, vehicle damage, and infrastructure repair, are estimated to be 3% of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
“Ending road carnages is therefore both a developmental and humanitarian priority.”
According to Karikoga, the committee found that most accidents are caused by human error and behaviour—things like misjudgement and speeding.
Zimbabwe’s roads aren’t helping either. Highways and feeder roads are full of potholes, have poor signage, and lack proper pedestrian infrastructure, all of which contribute to the accidents.
The committee also pointed fingers at pirate taxi operators, known locally as “mushikashika”, for their culpability in the crashes. Said Karikoga:
“Chase racing with police and council officers has become a growing concern, particularly involving informal operators and commuter omnibuses.
“In efforts to evade authorities, drivers often engage in dangerous manoeuvres, leading to high-risk situations that endanger passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
“Some drivers resort to using pavements which are designated for pedestrians, thereby increasing the risk of fatal accidents.”
More: Business Times
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