Botswana Needs Safe Roads

Editor | Tuesday February 26, 2008 00:00

There have also been many road accidents along the AI national artery. It is accepted that road traffic accidents are the second highest killer after HIV and AIDS. 
The government's take on such calls had always been premised on economic considerations rather than safety.

 
The government has argued that the size of traffic using the road does not justify the cost of constructing a dual carriageway.
It is therefore surprising that recently, the country's leadership that included President Festus Mogae and the Mahalapye-West legislator, Mompati Merafhe, have made mutterings in support of the extension of the dual carriageway from Rasesa to Francistown.

 
Their mutterings make sense not only in terms of saving lives but also funds.
We are yet to be convinced that doing things piece meal is economical. It is only long-term planning which is economical.  We think the widening of the A1 portion of the road from Sebele to Rasesa has not only improved the flow of traffic but also the safety of motorists.

 
It is simply wonderful to drive along that portion. 
Often times, it appears the problem lies with our planners who fail to take a long term view when working on public projects.

There are numerous cases to illustrate this point.  Take for instance the Mogoditshane to Gabane road that originates from the flyover before Old Naledi.  It was changed from a two way into a single lane at the end of Mogoditshane just a few hundred metres from a major industrial site (located between Mogoditshae and Gabane).

Ironically, at the time that road was under construction, the industrial site and the residential area were also under development. 
Now hardly a few years down the line, there is talk of widening the road between Mogoditshane and Gabane into a dual carriageway.

The same paradox is also evident on the widening of roads between Molapo Crossing circle and Bonnington shopping complex, and that between the BTV circle and Block Six shopping complex. 

Now we hear both of these roads will be developed into dual carriageways beyond Mogoditshane.

Further, concerted pleas have been made for years in regard to the widening of the road to the Tlokweng border post and the Gaborone to Boatle road, but all in vain. 
Our planners should wake up to the reality that loss of life and doing things piecemeal also has profound economic implications.

Today's Thought:
Good plans shape good decisions.
That's why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true.
- Unknown