PRESS RELEASE
ZAMBIA ROAD SAFETY TRUST (ZRST) CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION FOLLOWING FATAL CHAVUMA ROAD ACCIDENT
Lusaka, Zambia – 27 October, 2024
The Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST) is deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving the Chavuma Town Council football club, which has claimed 11 lives. The accident, which occurred on the road between Lukhunyi and Ndondo in Chavuma District, involved a mini-bus transporting players and council staff to a scheduled match in Mufumbwe. This devastating loss, which has shaken the entire community, highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and proactive government intervention.
ZRST extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 10 players and one council worker who lost their lives, as well as to the injured survivors currently receiving medical care. The Chavuma Town Council Public Relations Officer, Kamona Lindunda, confirmed the death toll and the severity of this incident to Chete FM news.
ZRST is increasingly concerned about the lack of proactive government measures to address road safety issues that continue to claim lives. This tragic accident is not an isolated case; it is part of a disturbing pattern of road fatalities that underscores the urgent need for improved road safety protocols, enhanced driver training, stricter vehicle maintenance standards, and reliable emergency response systems.
ZRST CEO, Daniel Mwamba, expressed grave concerns about the recurring tragedies on Zambia’s roads, stating, “This incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the critical importance of road safety. The loss of young, promising lives is unacceptable, and we call upon the government to take immediate steps to prevent such tragedies. The lives lost today should not be in vain.”
ZRST reiterates its commitment to supporting road safety initiatives and stands ready to work with government agencies, local councils, and other stakeholders to implement meaningful changes. The organization is calling for:
*Stringent enforcement of road safety laws – to ensure all vehicles on the road meet high safety standards.
**Education and training programs – for drivers, especially for those transporting groups, to prevent avoidable accidents.
**Investment in emergency response infrastructure – to provide timely assistance to accident victims.
The Zambia Road Safety Trust is steadfast in its mission to make Zambian roads safer for everyone. The tragic loss in Chavuma is a sobering reminder of the need for urgent action to prevent more families from enduring the pain of losing loved ones to preventable road accidents.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Mwamba
CEO, Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST)
0961475710