17 Nov 2021

A Trans-Kalahari Highway stretch between Kanye and Jwaneng is prone to road accidents.

Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) regional manager-south, Mr Karabo Phuthologang, said this when briefing Mabutsane sub-council on Tuesday ahead of the Sunday World Day of Remembrance for Road Accidents Victims.

Mr Phuthologang said it emerged during preparatory meetings that the stretch had contributed to the current national statistics of 319 road fatalities as at November.

“This indicates that a lot still has to be done as far as road safety is concerned,” he advised.

Mr Phuthologang also said there was no evidence of correlation between accidents and status of the said road.

He, however, noted that the department used road safety committees to conduct road audits and make recommendations of what could be improved to ensure safety.

“There has not been any recommendation on the status of the said road, but as a buildup towards the coming event, there is currently another audit ongoing and we will wait to see what they recommend,” he said.

Mr Phuthologang, however, said some recommendations might be difficult to implement due to budgetary constraints and shortage of personnel.

Councillors were informed that other safety measures such as speed humps could be addressed by the department of roads.

Mr Phuthologang said because of shortage of personnel, the department through its inspectorate unit could not afford to mount end of month inspections.

“The inspectors are the ones responsible for the check-ups, but unfortunately, month end is the busiest for them as they are also required to assist customers with other services like vehicle inspections and permit renewals,” he said.

Mr Phuthologang said a law prohibiting one to drive with alcohol in their blood system would be most welcome.

“The law at the moment does not allow one to drink and drive. This is to cater for the fact that some people may have taken alcohol the previous day, but drinking and driving has never been allowed,” he said.

This was after councillor Keberekile Pule of Mabutsane wondered why the law could not prohibit drinking and driving. ENDS