We should care more for our infrastructure, road safety

Mmegi Editor | Tuesday September 3, 2024 09:04

These roads, which are vital conduits for trade and tourism, have long been in dire need of repair. However, while this development is undoubtedly a positive step, it also raises questions about broader issues of infrastructural management and road safety that deserve closer scrutiny.

The A3 and A33 roads are not just any roads, they are critical arteries that connect Botswana to its neighbours and facilitate the movement of goods and people within the Southern African region. The fact that these roads had fallen into such disrepair causing numerous accidents and hardships for public transport operators and ordinary citizens alike, is an indictment of the country’s infrastructural management. The P580 million investment over two years for their reconstruction is a welcome move. But one must ask why it took so long for the government to act on a problem that has been evident for years. This delay in addressing the poor condition of these roads highlights a recurring issue in many developing countries: the tendency to prioritise new projects over the maintenance of existing infrastructure. It’s a pattern that leads to greater costs down the line, both in terms of money and human lives. As the government embarks on reconstruction, it is imperative that it also implement a robust maintenance plan to ensure these roads do not fall into yet another state of disrepair again. Moreover, while the focus on infrastructure is commendable, the government’s approach to road safety needs to be more proactive.

President Masisi’s comments about the dangers of drunken driving and the issuance of fake permits by corrupt officials are important, but they should be part of a broader strategy to tackle road safety comprehensively. Road reconstruction alone will not solve these problems. A holistic approach that includes stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better driver education, and measures to combat corruption within the Department of Road Transport and Safety is crucial to deal with the matter. The use of the development manager model for these projects, which involves collaboration between major developers and stakeholders, is a positive step. However, for this model to be truly effective, it must be accompanied by transparency and accountability. The involvement of local communities in the development process is also essential.

While the reconstruction of the A3 and A33 roads is a significant achievement for Botswana, it should not be seen as an end in itself. It is a reminder of the importance of ongoing maintenance, proactive road safety measures, and community involvement in infrastructure projects. If these aspects are not addressed, the country risks repeating the same mistakes, leading to a cycle of neglect and costly repairs. Therefore, the government must ensure that this reconstruction marks the beginning of a new era in infrastructural management, one that prioritises sustainability, safety, and long-term benefits for all Batswana.