By Chantelle Muzanemhamo
Zimbabwe’s Transport Statistics Report for the 2nd Quarter of 2024 has revealed a concerning increase in road traffic accidents, alongside various updates across the transport sector.
The report, compiled using administrative data from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Statistics Department and relevant agencies under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, highlights significant changes in vehicle registrations, air travel, and freight transport.
During the 2nd quarter of 2024, a total of 14,280 road traffic accidents were reported, marking a 9.6 percent increase from the 13,026 accidents recorded in the previous quarter.
This uptick raises urgent questions regarding road safety measures and driver behavior across the nation. The increase in accidents comes despite a decline in newly registered vehicles, which fell from 24,428 in the 1st quarter to 15,890.
In terms of safety regulations, 55,136 candidates undertook the certificate of competency test during this period, with a slightly better success rate overall, as 50.4 percent passed the exam. There were notable discrepancies in pass rates across provinces, with Harare (55.9%) and Mashonaland East (59.3%) outperforming most others, where less than half of the candidates succeeded.
The transport sector saw hopeful developments in aviation, with all airports across the country recording an increase in flights during the 2nd quarter. Specifically, Robert Mugabe International Airport reported 6,717 flights, which is an 18.7 percent increase compared to 5,659 flights in the previous quarter.
Overall, international flights also showed a month-on-month rise, increasing from 2,632 in April to 2,827 in June 2024.
Freight transport statistics indicate a substantial rise in outbound freight, which surged 101.1 percent from 1,144 tonnes in the 1st quarter to 2,301 tonnes in the 2nd quarter.
However, inbound freight experienced a decline of 10.8 percent, dropping from 2,015 tonnes to 1,798 tonnes.
Rail transport reported 54 accidents during the same quarter, with the majority (47) classified as shunt accidents and seven as mainline incidents. This underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring passenger and freight safety on the railways.
Thus, the 2nd Quarter 2024 Transport Statistics Report highlights an urgent need for improved road safety initiatives in the face of rising accident numbers while also showcasing positive developments in air transport and freight movement.
Stakeholders are urged to address the factors contributing to road traffic accidents to foster safer travel conditions for all Zimbabweans.