Road accidents in Zimbabwe – a growing national crisis

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In recent years, Zimbabwe has seen a devastating rise in road accidents, claiming the lives of thousands and leaving countless families shattered.

What was once an occasional tragedy has now become a grim daily reality, with fatal accidents involving buses, trucks, and small vehicles becoming disturbingly common. Families are losing their beloved ones in accidents that are largely preventable, and the root causes point to a deep failure in governance, corruption, and poor infrastructure management.

From the bustling cities to rural communities, no corner of Zimbabwe is immune to the toll of road accidents. On a daily basis, headlines scream of horrific crashes that leave dozens dead or seriously injured. The roads, once a symbol of progress and connectivity, have become death traps. Families are left mourning loved ones who left home for work, school, or travel, never to return. Many of these accidents are caused by unroadworthy vehicles, reckless driving, and poorly maintained roadways that have deteriorated over time. The horror of these crashes is compounded by the fact that many of the vehicles involved are old, poorly maintained, and not fit for the roads. Buses, trucks, and small vehicles that should have been retired from service long ago continue to operate, often in horrendous conditions. These vehicles are not only unfit to be on the road but are also operated by drivers who are either overworked or not properly trained. Many travel at night to avoid police checks and to exploit the gaps in law enforcement.

TAPIWA MPOFU

tapiwam750@gmail.com