I have observed with concern a recurring pattern on Malawi’s roads where, following a vehicle-pedestrian accident, authorities respond by installing rumble surfaces or speed humps a week or two later.
Travelling on Malawi’s roads often involves manoeuvring around potholes and even on smoother stretches, drivers must contend with unexpected humps and rumble surfaces.
Vigilance is crucial, as whenever you have a better road and want to catch up with the time lost, traffic police might be in nearby bushes or under roadside trees with speed cameras.
This situation implies that the now anticipated average speed limit on Malawian roads is less than 50 kilometres (km) per hour.
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For instance, driving from Zomba to Lilongwe demands a significant time investment, taking around two whole hours to cover the 80km Zomba-Balaka stretch.
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Adhering to the 96 unwritten laws of driving on Malawian roads extends the journey by an additional five to six hours to get to Lilongwe.
These are just few of the factors contributing to the loss of productive time on our roads, and I don’t know to what extent the loss is translated in economic terms, but I am sure, if accurately quantified, the figures will shock everyone.
The question is why, as a nation, we are failing to instil a sense of civic responsibility in our citizens regarding road safety.
Are our roads turning into playgrounds due to a lack of education on responsible road use? Is the removal of civic education in primary schools contributing to this irresponsible, careless and lawless road use by citizens?
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The answer to this last question is definitely a big yes. Back in the days, we used to learn the Highway Code in Standard 5 through Civics subject.
We knew how to use the road and read road signs even when we were just pedestrians. We didn’t need to get exposed to the Highway Code only when we were applying for a licence. Now we think that the only road users are motorists, why? Where have we lost it as a nation?
Relying on the construction of rumble surfaces, humps and speed limits as a solution is unsustainable and costly in so many areas.
If the current pace of response persists, the entire stretch of the M1 Road from Blantyre to Lilongwe could be covered in rumble strips.
It is crucial to revisit the role of civic education in primary schools, which once taught students how to use the road, understand the Highway Code and more.
Ignoring these fundamentals is leading to, inadvertently, high occurrences of road accidents being caused by cyclists and improper selling of merchandise inside the road on market days.
Malawi must address emerging issues with a forward-looking approach. Travel between major cities should not be an arduous task; time is money.
Streamlining travel could enable individuals to attend meetings or engage in economic activities, promoting efficient use of time.
As we strive for development, we must also consider factors that can either facilitate or hinder progress. We cannot be preaching about the attainment of Malawi 2063 if we continually respond with short-term remedies for long-term problems.
Concerns about the influx of motorcycles and their impact on road safety could be mitigated through effective civic education.
Primary school education played a crucial role in shaping responsible road users in the past. Now, the absence of such education has led to challenges with motorcycle riders who may not be well-versed in road etiquette.
We cannot continually blame them; actually we have failed them as a nation. We need to be held responsible for the lives that have been lost.
Economically, the implications of potholes, rumble surfaces and humps are substantial. Unlike in Europe or South Africa, where cars can go for years without suspension servicing, Malawi faces frequent suspension repairs, contributing to a thriving market for spare parts.
The forex drain caused by importing expensive suspension spares is a critical issue that needs attention.
Furthermore, the rise in counterfeit spares poses an additional challenge that requires addressing. I don’t know if we have any mechanism in place of checking and barring counterfeit spares from entering Malawi
In conclusion, Malawi must address its road safety and infrastructure challenges holistically, incorporating civic education, efficient road design and measures to curb forex expenditure on vehicle repairs.
Instead of rushing to construct rumble surfaces and humps, let us channel those funds to civic-educating the masses about proper road usage.
