Mpumalanga transport MEC happy with motorists’ attitude on the roads
Due to its geographical uniqueness and border posts, Mpumalanga Province experiences huge traffic volume, which at times results in major accidents.
The Mpumalanga MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mandla Ndlovu, has told this publication that he is pleased so far with the manner both the public and freight transport are carrying themselves on the roads during these festive holidays.
This comes after Mpumalanga Province experienced a quiet and safe Christmas, without many major accidents reported on the roads.
Both the public (mini taxis and buses) and freight (long distance trucks) transport are known to be major contributors of serious road accidents, especially on the N4 towards the Lebombo Border gate, the N17 towards the Oshoek Border gate, R37 between White River and Phalaborwa and the Moloto Road between Tshwane, KwaMhlanga and Siyabuswa.
Ndlovu said he was pleased that there were no major accidents reported between Christmas Day and today, Tuesday December 27.
“We appreciate how our public transport operators are behaving on the roads. It goes to show that they also value the lives of their passengers as much as we (government) do. It is also pleasing to note that the long distance trucks are also operating and following the rules and laws of the road, minimising the risks of unnecessary accidents and loss of lives on our roads,” said Ndlovu.
He continued, “This is also due to the fact that all our law enforcement agencies are everywhere and visible on all major roads in the province, and they will continue until the holidays are over.”
Ndlovu also appealed to motorists to continue adhering to the rules of the road and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Remember, most car crashes are as a result of human error, mostly due to drunk driving, illegal overtaking and reckless driving. This is the reason why our law enforcers will arrest anyone found to have infringed these rules. So, I want to appeal to all road users to be vigilant and tolerate each other so that we can all safely arrive in the New Year, 2023,” appealed Ndlovu.
Just before Christmas Day, Ndlovu and the Mpumalanga provincial top cop, Lieutenant General Daphney Manamela, conducted safety awareness operations at some of the province’s busiest ports.
This operation saw number of overloaded and unroadworthy taxis being discontinued on the road and over R15 000 in traffic fines issued.
