RTSASafeSafetransportmeasuresreduceaccidents-transport measures reduce accidents - RTSA
THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Head of Public Relations Fred Mubanga says a number of measures have been implemented to ensure that the country has a safe transport system.
Mr Mubanga told ZANIS that through the safe transport measures, the country has managed to reduce the number of road traffic accidents and fatalities in the last three years from over 2,000 to less than 1000 yearly.
He said RTSA is working hard to achieve government’s goal of having a safe, efficient, effective and integrated transport system by 2028 and the agency has since installed over 500 global positioning systems (GPS) devices on public service vehicles (PSV), in addition to engagements and sensitisation programs using various mediums.
Mr Mubanga explained that the installation of GPS devices has been done to ensure that there is safe passage of the public goods and services.
"We are working towards achieving our goal by 2028," he mentioned
Mr Mubanga said the agency has six thematic areas that are guiding its realignment, such as improving road safety and transport management.
"We have also included stakeholder management and service delivery, revenue collection on behalf of government," he said.
He has further indicated that RTSA has also delegated some of its services to six local authorities to make them more accessible.
"Notable among them are the online services of buying road tax cashless, via electronic payment platforms," he said.
Meanwhile in making Zambia a transport hub, RTSA has invested greatly in ensuring that all road users are equipped with knowledge on road safety.
Mr Mubanga said the Agency facilitated the implementation of statutory instrument number 50, to increase the validity of PSV driver’s license.
He said the increase which is from one year to three years will reduce the cost of doing business to a large extent for players in the transport sector.
He noted that RTSA has engaged traditional leadership to campaign for roads safety adding that most road carnage happen along highways in rural areas.
Mr Mubanga further added that RTSA will continue working with various stakeholders to have a safe transport system in the country and continue sensitisation the public on road safety. - ZANIS