In a significant effort to enhance road safety, the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure (MoTWI) launched a road safety awareness campaign on October 7, 2024. This initiative is specifically aimed at basic schools along the highway in the North Bank Region, with the goal of reducing road accidents and fatalities as part of the government’s vision to achieve zero road deaths by 2030.
Saikou Kujabi, the Principal Transport Regulatory Officer, highlighted the Ministry’s strong commitment to these ambitious objectives, stating that the campaign is integral to broader efforts to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. He emphasized the development of the Gambia Road Safety Strategy 2030, which is designed to address the ongoing challenges of road traffic accidents that lead to loss of life and economic repercussions.
The MoTWI is working in collaboration with partners to implement a Road Safety Work Plan for 2021-2030, created by experts from both public and private sectors. This plan details the key actions the Road Safety Unit will undertake in the coming years. Kujabi pointed out that road safety is a complex issue that necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
Dr. Momodou Gassama, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), underscored the urgency of the campaign, noting that road accidents are the leading cause of death for young people aged 5 to 29 globally. He warned that a young person dies every four minutes worldwide due to road-related incidents, emphasizing the importance of the campaign for students in lower and upper basic schools.
He advised students to be cautious while using the roads, especially when crossing highways, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid crossing when vehicles are moving at high speeds.
Headmasters from Fass Njaga Choi and Kanuma Lower Basic Schools expressed their gratitude for the campaign, recognizing that ensuring the safety of their students is crucial for their educational success.
This initiative by the Ministry of Transport represents a vital step toward establishing a safer road network in The Gambia, supporting the country’s overarching goal of eliminating road accidents and fatalities by 2030.
