BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI – Did you know that a minimum of four people die a week from a road accident in Eswatini?
The shocking figures were revealed today at Happy Valley Hotel by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg when opening a two-day Road Injury Prevention Indaba 24 hosted by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Fund. Minister Rijkenberg was representing Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
Rijkenberg stated that road crash personal injuries have become a significant concern in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“In recent times, we are advised that we lose more than 200 people from the road annually, but the World Health Organization estimates the number to be much higher, at 361. The cost of these fatalities and serious injuries was estimated at a staggering $414 million, representing 10.8% of our GDP. Such a loss is not only a financial burden but a profound human tragedy that affects countless families and communities,” he said.
The minister further revealed that Pedestrians account for more than 60% of road crash injuries in Eswatini, highlighting the urgent need for safer roads and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
“About four people die on our roads every week, and many more suffer life-altering injuries. This ongoing tragedy has reached a point where we must take decisive action,” he said.
The minister explained that the Road Injury Prevention Indaba is a testament to the government’s collective commitment to addressing the critical issues of road crash personal injury in Eswatini.
“As we reflect on the challenges we face, it becomes clear that our efforts must be unified, robust, and sustained if we are to achieve meaningful progress,” he said.
He said Eswatini’s seven-year Road Safety Strategy aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries due to accidents.
He said this strategy encompasses road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.
“The Road Safety Council under the Ministry of Works and Transport leads these efforts, coordinating, legislating, and monitoring the country’s progress. The Fund is part of the actors that have committed to support the government towards the implementation of this Strategy,” he said.
On another note, Minister Neal has thanked former Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, who declared last year; “enough is enough” and committed to reducing road accident deaths and injuries by 50 percent by the year 2030.
“Our roads must also cater to non-motorized transport to ensure the safety of all users,” he said.
