Bus drivers warned against overloading
Three school bus drivers were yesterday ordered to offload excess luggage during a back-to-school safety awareness campaign.
Schools open for the second term today, and a number of boarding school learners travelled yesterday.
Officer Commanding Harare Metropolitan Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, urged school authorities to prioritise learners’ safety over money. He was flanked by his lieutenants, Assistant Commissioner Dorcas Matshilanga and Assistant Commissioner John Simon, as they addressed drivers, parents, guardians, and learners.
Bus drivers from Alheit Chingombe High School, St Mark’s High School, and Chemhanza High School were among those instructed to reduce their luggage.
“Let us consider safety on the roads and avoid anything that may contribute to road traffic accidents,” said Comm Chikunguru.
He said overloading buses with luggage increases pressure on the wheels and may cause breakdowns or wheel failure, adding that some luggage can also injure passengers. “Other suitable vehicles can be used to ferry learners’ luggage as a safety measure,” he said.
The Commissioner also warned drivers that police would not hesitate to arrest anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol or abusing drugs.
“Let us avoid speeding. We want our children to arrive alive. They are our future leaders—reason to work for and our pride,” he said.
Comm Chikunguru encouraged learners to expose anyone engaging in drugs and other substances, and to report reckless driving on the roads.
“We have deployed a number of police officers along the roads to various destinations to enhance safety,” he said.
Addressing parents and guardians, he urged them to ensure children are provided with enough food and to warn them against receiving gifts from strangers. He further advised learners to avoid bullying, engaging in sexual intercourse and to refrain from stealing other learners’ belongings.
He also encouraged driving instructors operating at the Square to set aside enough space for school buses and for private vehicles dropping off children during back-to-school days.
“We cannot expose our children to drivers operating under instructors,” he said. He added that the instructors should consider adjusting their operations by not working during the peak morning and afternoon school travel times. *_-H-Metro_*
