15 Dec 2014

Government is committed to making the country’s roads safe, says transport and communications minister, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo.

He was speaking at the funeral for Ms Tebogo Letlhatshane and son, Lekgotla,  in Thamaga on Saturday (December 13). 

The deceased were among victims of the Letlhatshane, Mokgadi and Keatlholetswe families from Moshupa and Thamaga who perished in a road accident along the A1 road near Dibete recently.

Minister Mabeo, who is also Thamaga-Kumakwane MP, said it was a tragic experience for a large number of people to perish in a single road accident.

He described the accident as unfortunate and commended the bereaving family, community from the two villages of Moshupa and Thamaga for doing all they could within limited time to ensure that they gave the victims a well-deserved burial.

Meanwhile, Mr Mabeo expressed concern that while the festive season was a time to be merry and celebrate the birth of Christ, it was unfortunate to see it turning into a moment of sorrow.

He said while during the festive season, more people travelled to celebrate with their families and friends, some people tended to be overcome by joy hence driving carelessly and recklessly while consuming alcohol. 

That, he warned, put their lives and those of other road users at risk. However, Mr Mabeo assured Batswana that the government was doing all in its power to put in place structures as well as legislation to ensure the country’s roads were safe.

The minister appealed to Batswana to be cautious and work together while exercising patience on the roads to avoid or reduce accidents.  “Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, speeding and using vehicles that are not road worthy. Obey traffic signs and respect other road users,” he cautioned.

He said President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi had prior to the funeral visited the affected families to console them. Mr Mabeo said as a result of the tragic road accident, the region had lost one of the greatest farmers in Mr Lekgotla Letlhatshane. 

He said government encouraged people to take advantage of its programmes to engage in activities that could help improve their livelihoods as well as diversify the economy.  Mr Mabeo said it was unfortunate to see people who were committed to building and empowering the nation losing their lives through road accidents.

He said losing such people in road accidents would impact negatively on government coffers as funds earmarked for other development projects would be diverted to sustaining the lives of those who lost bread winners.

Among the mourners were Vice President Masisi and MP for Boteti East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe.

The deceased persons were buried on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (December 12-14) in Moshupa and Thamaga. ENDS