Harare-Nyamapanda Accident Declared National Disaster

By Knowledge Muneri

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has declared the Harare-Nyamapanda accident a national disaster, following a tragic road traffic crash that claimed 10 lives at the 185km peg near Suswe along the Harare-Nyamapanda Road.

The Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Felix Tapiwa Mhona, announced the declaration in a press statement released yesterday. The declaration enables the government to mobilize and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this painful period.

According to preliminary reports, the crash occurred when a Honda Fit carrying 10 occupants, traveling from Mutoko to Kotwa, encroached into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a haulage truck en route to Harare. All 10 occupants of the Honda Fit died on the spot, while four occupants of the haulage truck survived.

Hon. Mhona conveyed a condolence message to the affected families on behalf of the government. "On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Losing so many lives in a single incident is a profound national tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are mourning."

The government will provide necessary assistance to the affected families, including support towards funeral arrangements and other immediate needs. Hon. Mhona also highlighted the need to address the menace of "mushika shika" (illegal transport operators) and reckless driving on the roads.

The Minister urged road users to exercise caution on the road and announced measures to improve road safety, including the deployment of ambulances at toll gates across the country and the launch of the Road Accident Fund earlier this year .