Africa-Press – Eswatini. Road safety isn’t just about traffic signs and speed limits, it’s a development priority, and the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) wants Eswatini to treat it as such.
In a press statement released this week, RAAG called for urgent, coordinated action to reduce road fatalities and build safer, more inclusive road networks.
The organisation stressed that safer roads are central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, transport, and partnerships.
“Road safety is not just a transport issue,” said RAAG Communications Officer Pinkie Zikalala.
“It is a development, equity, and justice issue.”
Eswatini records a worrying trend, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for over 60% of road deaths, especially in urban centres such as Manzini, Mbabane, and Matsapha.
This aligns with global figures, where over 1.3 million lives are lost annually to road crashes, with 90% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
RAAG urged ministries, municipalities, the private sector, NGOs, and communities to unite behind efforts to:
Improve road infrastructure and safety
Protect vulnerable road users
Develop walkable and cycle-friendly cities
Promote road safety awareness and education
The organisation emphasized its alignment with specific SDG targets, including SDG 3.6 (halving road deaths by 2030), SDG 11.2 (safe, affordable, and accessible transport for all), and SDG 17 (strengthened partnerships).
As part of its efforts, RAAG continues to spearhead awareness campaigns, promote child safety through painted zebra crossings, and advocate for non-motorized transport corridors. The group is also encouraging development actors to embed road safety measures into infrastructure and community projects.
In a separate letter, RAAG congratulated the newly appointed Roads Authority Board and expressed confidence that the leadership would help the Kingdom of Eswatini achieve its 2030 road safety targets.
The organisation also thanked Public Works and Transport Minister Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe for prioritising road governance and safety.
“We are ready to partner, implement, and advocate, but we cannot do it alone,” said Zikalala.
“Together, we can create safer streets, healthier communities, and a brighter future for all in Eswatini.”
For more information or to support RAAG’s initiatives, the public is encouraged to visit RAAG’s Facebook page or contact their office directly.
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