The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has assured Paramount Chief Mpezeni of heightened traffic law enforcement ahead of the N’cwala traditional ceremony this weekend.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni in Chipata, Road Transport and Safety Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Gladwell Banda said the Agency has deployed adequate officers to ensure adherence to road traffic rules and regulations in a bid to deliver an ‘accident-free’ 2020 N’cwala traditional ceremony.
‘‘Let me also take this opportunity to caution all road users against lawlessness ahead of the N’cwala traditional ceremony this weekend. RTSA and Zambia Police officers are on the ground conducting highway traffic patrols along the Great East Road with the aim of screening drivers for drunk driving and excessive speeding among other offenses,’’ he said.
Mr Banda has also revealed that RTSA will also conduct road safety education and publicity campaigns to raise public awareness on matters of road safety.
‘‘The RTSA will continue conducting such activities in all parts of the country to ensure that all road users are abreast with road safety rules and regulations in order to continue saving more lives from avoidable road traffic crashes. We also utilized our meeting with Nkhosi to lobby his support towards road safety which has now become a public health concern that needs the engagement of various stakeholders including traditional leaders,” the RTSA CEO said.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni has pledged his continued support towards road safety with a special message to motorists not to drive under the influence of alcohol.
The Ngoni people of Eastern province will this weekend celebrate the annual traditional ceremony, N’cwala, which is one of the biggest ceremonies commemorated in Zambia and attracts thousands of people from all parts of the country and abroad.
