29 May 2013

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, says it is encouraging to see youth organisations commiting to tackle road traffic accidents.

Launching the Kgweetsa ka Kelotlhoko Road Safety Campaign, an initiative of Remmogo Youth Organisation, Mr Molefhi said it was disheartening to note that road accident victims are often the skilled and well-educated people.

Minister Molefhi also noted that the accidents continue to negate achievements the country has made since independence.

"These accidents impact negatively on the productivity and economic growth of the country".

He, however, said for years government and non-governmental organisations have joined hands in the fight against unacceptable practices on roads.

Mr Molefhi said Remmogo has come up with the initiative which intends to reduce the number and nature of road accidents which continue to claim people's lifes.

The campaign aims at reducing road traffic fatalities to 50 per cent by 2020 in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.

Meanwhile, the actual campaign starts from July 6 at Game City Mall, Gaborone and over 200 bikers from Southern Africa are expected to take part in the 200km awareness ride.

During the ride, both motorists and pedestrians will interact at pit stops for public education and sensitisation about road safety.

Mr Molefhi therefore urged stakeholders to support Kgweetsa ka Kelotlhoko campaign which advocates safety on national roads.

For his part, the executive director of Remmogo Youth Organisation, Mr Kagiso Morebodi said the campaign will attract many stakeholders such as paramedics, car dealers, insurance companies, police and transport operators among others.ENDS