Shocker: Accidents cost Zim US$400mn

TANAKA FETINANDI

Zimbabwe is losing US$400mn annually to road traffic accidents and is the second highest country in road traffic accident fatalities globally, shocking statistics reveal.

The country is also recording a huge number of fatalities with 41 deaths per 100k people.

Presenting a report on road carnage, Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairman Tawanda Karikoga said an inquiry on road traffic accidents was undertaken and statistics are shocking.

“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,” he said.

He revealed that road traffic accidents are the third leading cause of death after HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

“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,” he said.

The committee, Karikoga said, established that human error and behaviour, misjudgement, speeding among other issues are to blame for accidents.

Infrastructure deficiencies are also to blame for the road traffic accidents.

“The Committee observed that most of Zimbabwe’s highways and feeder roads are dilapidated, characterised by potholes, inadequate signage and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure.”

The failure to have a proper transport system in the country was also blamed with stakeholders saying pirate taxi operators better known as ‘mshikashika’ being the biggest problem.

“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.”