CORRUPT TRAFFIC OFFICIALS, A THREAT TO ROAD SAFETY
By FREDRICK MUBANGA
HEAD-PUBLIC RELATIONS-RTSA
RTSA boss Zindabah Soko at Media Freeom Front Daily Nation Hilton Garden Inn Lusaka Friday 26 October 2018 Pix by Derrick Sinjela
CHPATA, 17TH November, 2018- Corruption among traffic and road transport officials is posing a great risk to road safety.
Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zindaba Soko, has charged that the effect of corruption is not only a loss of State revenue, but may contribute to road traffic accidents if not curbed.
“Corrupt officials who allow motorists who speed, or who are driving vehicles that are not roadworthy, to proceed on their journey are posing a threat to road safety and the consequences for other road users are potentially disastrous. A breakdown in public trust of the integrity of traffic officials is also likely to result in an increase in lawlessness”, Mr Soko said.
Mr. Soko has called for an end to corrupt practices among traffic officials and stated that the RTSA will join efforts with the government to eradicate corruption in the Agency to zero.
THE Lusaka fast-track court for traffic offences has over the past three months convicted over 1,000 motorists for abrogating road traffic regulations
Mr. Soko was speaking during the RTSA integrity awareness programme in Chipata yesterday ahead of the Anti-corruption Day which is commemorated on 9th December each year.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2005 designated 9th December as the International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness on corruption.
