President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following a tragic road accident on Wednesday that claimed the lives of 10 people at the 185-kilometre peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road, near Suswe.
The victims were all travelling in a Honda Fit when the vehicle collided head-on with a Harare-bound haulage truck.
The declaration was announced on Friday, 19 December, by Acting Minister of Public Works and Local Government Felix Mhona, under the provisions of the Civil Protection Act. Said Mhona:
“His Excellency, the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] following the tragic road traffic crash that claimed ten (10) lives at the 185km peg near Suswe along the Harare–Nyamapanda Road.
“This declaration enables the Government to mobilise and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this painful period.”
Mhona said the government, through the Civil Protection Department and other relevant agencies, will provide necessary assistance to the families affected by the tragedy, including support for funeral arrangements and other urgent needs.
He added that the devastating accident underscores the urgent need to tackle illegal transport operations, commonly known as Mushika-shika, as well as reckless driving on the nation’s roads.
The Minister urged all road users, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to exercise the utmost caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and prioritise safety at all times.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply