Dear Editor,
THE Zambian Roads & Highway Safety Group (ZRHSG) is saddened to learn of a fatal road traffic accident at the junction of Mungwi Road and new ring also known as 70/70 in Lusaka that occurred on Wednesday morning, April 14th, 2021, involving give cars in which one motorist died.
We are sad because on February 6 this year, the Group issued a statement on this new road warning of the inadequacy of the road signage and other road furniture, especially on the busy intersections of this road.
This outer ring road which starts from Makeni Bonaventure roundabout to Great North Rd roundabout a few metres before the Katuba Check Point is aimed at diverting fast moving heavy trucks and traffic around Lusaka along this route.
Early this year the Group made the following observation:
1. That this ring road is too narrow for heavy goods vehicles and should have been made into 4 lanes to accommodate both domestic and highway traffic or should have been built with wider shoulders to allow for broken trucks to safely park or pedestrians to walk safely.
2. That this road has about five busy junctions or intersections that are not marked with warning signs.
These road junctions need stop signs, fouway warning signs and road names to inform new comers where they are and direct traffic to alternative link roads of Makeni, Mumbwa, Mungwi, Barlastone among others. These junctions could have been turned into traffic circles or roundabouts to allow for smooth crossing of traffic.
3. This ring road still has infrastructure built close to the road shoulders and when a truck loses control there will be heavy casualties on this road or when a hazardous material truck overturns many families will be affected.
4. This road has blocked natural flow of water causing heavy flooding and mosquitos along this road. It needs an improved drainage, culverts and bridges.
This Group is concerned that had these observations made in February this year, if they had been listened to by government and its agents, would have today saved a life and this fatal road accident and damage to life and property prevented.
The Group is also concerned that there is a bad tendency by those in government and its agencies not to listen to advocacy groups and concerned road users on the challenges they face on our roads.
MTHONISWA BANDA,
Group Admin – Zambia Roads & Highway Safety Group.
