The high rate of fatal crashes on South Africa’s roads is abnormal, says President Jacob Zuma.
The high rate of fatal crashes on South Africa’s roads is abnormal, says President Jacob Zuma.
“We’ve had some horrific collisions in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal which claimed dozens of lives," President Zuma said. "The situation is abnormal. We need a radical change of attitude and a commitment to working on reducing road carnage.
“I urge all South Africans to obey the rules of the road without exception, at all times. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and respect fellow road users,” he said.
At least 14 000 people die on the country’s roads every year, and 46% of these are pedestrians, costing the economy R306 billion every year.
The President was addressing members of the local community following the unveiling of the R81 road near Mankweng, outside Polokwane, earlier on Tuesday. The road connects Polokwane and Giyani, and is expected to boost economic activity in the area.
The event is one of the activities planned for Transport Month and forms part of government’s programme of rolling out infrastructure projects.
The President said the government had prioritised the development of infrastructure to boost the economy and inclusive growth, create jobs and further improve the living and working conditions of South Africans.
“We want to create infrastructure that makes life easy everywhere, not just in the big cities. That is why we’ve upgraded roads here in Limpopo and in other parts of the country."
Zuma said although the infrastructure plan was expensive, it was necessary because it would change the economy and the social landscape.
South Africa spends about R10bn to service and resurface roads each year. To build one kilometre of new tarred road can cost about R25 million.
October is Transport Month and the government has dedicated it to promoting all matters related to transport, from infrastructure to road safety. – SAnews.gov.za
