Mnangagwa Declares Manyame Bridge Crash a National Disaster
n .... ICZ Activates Insurance Compensation n nn n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the horrific Manyame Bridge traffic accident a national disaster, following a tragic collision that claimed 17 lives a
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By Delicious Mathuthu
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the horrific Manyame Bridge traffic accident a national disaster, following a tragic collision that claimed 17 lives and left four others injured on Tuesday, July 22, along the busy Chitungwiza (Seke) Road.
In a statement, President Mnangagwa expressed deep frustration over recurring road tragedies, calling the accident a painful reminder of the multiple hazards which continue to stalk the country's roads.
“I learnt with horror and disbelief about the bloody traffic accident… We cannot continue to lose lives in this most horrendous way due to sheer recklessness and persistent gaps in law enforcement on our roads,” Mnangagwa said, urging an overhaul of current traffic management systems.
He said the modest returns on measures relied upon must make way for new and more robust measures which deliver results.
The President issued a directive to all government institutions concerned with traffic enforcement, as well as the judiciary, to enforce road safety laws decisively and uniformly.
“The costs of bad behaviour on our roads must simply outweigh whatever bizarre benefits those responsible think they derive from reckless driving,” he said.
Declaring the incident a national disaster allows government to intervene directly with hospital care for the injured and funeral arrangements for the deceased.
“I have directed that the Manyame Traffic Accident be declared a National Disaster in order to allow government to assist with hospital bills and burial arrangements,” Mnangagwa announced, urging all motorists to exercise utmost caution during the upcoming Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) also issued a statement confirming activation of insurance compensation mechanisms.
The ICZ said both vehicles involved were insured in compliance with statutory requirements, with the lorry covered under the COMESA Yellow Card and the commuter omnibus insured under the Road Traffic Act Motor Cover and Public Passenger Liability.
The council also expressed its condolences to the bereaved families.
“The ICZ and its members extend their profound and heartfelt condolences to the families and the nation of Zimbabwe on the devastating loss of seventeen lives,” read the statement.
ICZ also assured that insurance cover has been activated and a funeral parlour contracted to provide comprehensive funeral and burial services for all the deceased within Zimbabwe.
The ICZ has established a toll-free hotline (591) for bereaved families to expedite processing of insurance benefits.
“Our Call Centre staff are ready to guide the affected families in swiftly accessing the relevant benefits,” reads the statement.
