11 die during Easter period

By Isaac Salima:

Eleven people have died in 56 road accidents registered during the Easter period.

Malawi Police Service national spokesperson Peter Kalaya said this represents a 21 percent increase from the rate registered last year.

During the corresponding period last year, 45 accidents were registered.

However, Kalaya said the country has registered a drop in the number of those who have died.

Last year, 14 people succumbed to road accidents during the same period.

He cited recklessness as the contributing factor to road accidents in the country.

“This is attributed to speeding and people’s tendency to be driving while drunk.

“However, we, as police, will continue to enforce road traffic rules and regulations to all road users so that cases of accidents are reduced,” Kalaya said.

He further said that they plan to improve road safety in the country by increasing the use of breathalysers and intensifying awareness campaigns.

Tuesday, members of Parliament blamed poor conditions of roads as one of the factors fuelling death on the roads.