Transport Month kicks into gear
The Department of Transport unveiled three new road safety multi-purpose vehicles and mobile vehicle testing stations during the launch of October Transport Month in Musina yesterday (Tuesday).
POLOKWANE -According to Spokesperson for the transport department Joshua Kwapa, these resources are meant to strengthen road safety and law enforcement operations in the province. The Department acquired these resources with the financial assistance of the Road Traffic Management Cooperation.
“The road safety multi-purpose vehicles will travel the length and breadth of the province conducting road safety awareness programmes and campaigns. These vehicles will transport officials to communities and schools where the officials are set to educate the people of the province on road safety,” Kwapa said.
He added that this initiative will ensure the high death toll rate on the province’s roads are curtailed as people will be encouraged to drive safely.
“The vehicles are fitted with hi-technology apparatus, television screens and mobile generators. The mobile vehicle testing stations will ensure that vehicles are tested for road-worthiness. This will assist the traffic officers to ensure that non-roadworthy vehicles are discontinued and that defects on vehicles are identified,” Kwapa added.
Head of Department (HOD) for the Department of Transport in Limpopo, Hanli du Plessis, said they are serious about reducing carnage on the roads. “These vehicles are an investment that will benefit the people of Limpopo.
The launch was kick-started by a joint law enforcement operation (roadblock) on the N1 near Nancefield in Musina. During the operation summons were issued for various traffic offences while the police made arrests for various law transgressions.
Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for community services, Tshitereke Matibe said: “Throughout the month, we will be engaged in many other transport activities.” He continued, saying: “We cannot continue to bury our people because of road accidents. We need to take responsibility, change our behaviour and ensure that we stay alive. Life is a precious gift, let no accident rob us of this gift.”
