RTSA sets aside funds for road safety sensitization throughout the country

RTSA sets aside funds for road safety sensitization throughout the country      

Chipata, June 19, 2013, ZANIS —   The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) says it has set aside  Four Hundred Thousand Kwacha rebased for  its sensitization programmes on road safety issues across the country.

And  Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Bert Mushala  says his office welcomes the initiative by RTSA saying it was timely as the district had continued to experience more bicycle accidents.

Publicity and Education Manager Mukela Mangolwa noted that the agency has programmes of educating the general public on road safety.

Mr. Mangolwa stated that the agency was also in the process of translating the high way code in to various local languages to enable many people understand it.

ZANIS reports that the RTSA Publicity and Education Manager said this when he paid  a courtesy call on the Provincial Permanent Secretary Bert Mushala in Chipata today

Mr. Mangolwa said RTSA would target cyclist and motorists on road conduct in Kapata Township and town centre during their road shows.

He said statistics indicated that there had been an increase in the number of accidents perpetrated by cyclist in the district hence the need to educate them on the need to abide by traffic regulation.

He said commuters at Kapata market would also be educated on the need to be proactive by reporting any problems perpetrated by taxi and bus drivers.

And Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Bert Mushala  says his office welcomes the initiative by RTSA saying it was timely as the district had continued to experience more bicycle accidents.

Mr. Mushala noted that need to sensitize the general public on safety was a great concern during the Provincial Development Coordination Committee (PDCC) meeting.

He has since urged RTSA to conduct radio programmes on the local radio stations if the message on road safety was to reach the rural masses.

He said there were a number of radio stations who had a wider coverage and that people in the region were keen listeners.

“People in the rural areas like listening to the radio as statics indicate,” he added.

Meanwhile, the regional PS also urged RTSA to show case their work at the public service to be held on June 24th this year.

Mr. Mushala said there was need for the organization to ensure a number of brochures were given to the general public.