16 Apr 2014

Various Churches in Gaborone converged at Gaborone Secondary School (GSS) grounds to pray for people who will be travelling on Good Friday/ Easter Monday holidays to drive cautiously and safely to avoid accidents.

Prayers were prompted by the fact that during such holidays many churches travel to various places of worship and many lives are lost due to road accidents.

Speaking at the church outreach campaign, the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Kelebogile Kgabi advised all those who would be travelling not to disregard traffic laws by either driving beyond the stipulated speed limit or driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ms Kgabi said road accidents has now emerged as one of the major challenges that requires serious attention and this has compelled stakeholders to work together to accomplish safer road uses.

She said the involvement of churches in road safety campaigns is a welcome development saying churches play a vital role in influencing positive behaviour in road safety campaigns.

Various stakeholders were encouraged to organise similar activities in future while motorists were urged to plan their trips well in time as well as ensuring that their vehicles were roadworthy. 

Ms Kgabi said the road safety campaigns seek to raise awareness on road safety issues and preach road safety messages to church members before they embark on their pilgrimages.

For his part, the director of traffic senior assistant commissioner, Katlholo Mosimanegape complained that road safety campaigns are taken likely by many Batswana despite the increasing number of fatal road accidents. 

Senior assistant commissioner also advised people not to drive at night, adding that due to the closer of the Martin’s Drift border gate, traffic along AI road has increased. 

The campaign themed, “Church and road safety “was organised by the Department of Road Transport and Safety in collaboration with the Police, Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) and church organisations around Gaborone.

The candle lit ceremony attracted various church representatives. ENDS