19 May 2025

On average, Botswana loses 400 lives annually as a result of road accidents, says Member of Parliament for Good Hope/Mmathethe, Dr Edwin Dikoloti.

Dr Dikoloti challenged all to do their part and prevent road accidents since government alone could not bear the responsibility.

In 2024, 343 deaths caused by road accidents were recorded and by the end of March this year, 30 lives had already been lost, Dr Dikoloti, who is also acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, said during the 8^th United Nations Global Road Safety Week commemoration in Pitsane, Good Hope District on Saturday.

He said road injuries were among the leading causes of deaths, disability and injury worldwide.

Dr Dikoloti said this called for increased intervention by all stakeholders as outlined in this year’s Global Road Safety Week, which aimed to improve safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Good Hope council chairperson, Mr Gofaone Nkwane said the Good Hope District Road Safety Committee had made commandable progress through awareness campaigns, school-based scholar patrols and enforcement operations.

Global Road Safety week was held under the theme: Streets for life; Make walking and Cycling Safe, a reminder to all that safer roads are a matter of human rights, public health and sustainable development.

Department of Road Transport and Safety, Southern regional manager, Mr Karabo Phuthologang pleaded with all road users to understand the importance of road safety. ENDS