Three people are reportedly battling for their lives in Mambwe District Hospital following a road traffic accident involving a recently procured Zambia Police Service Toyota Land cruiser vehicle under the Constituency Development Fund.
In an interview with ZANIS, Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri who confirmed the development described the incidence the third in a row as unfortunate.
Mr. Phiri who is also Malambo Constituency law maker, said it was unfortunate that the district has continued to record road carnages with loss of lives in some cases.
“Three vehicles including road maintenance equipment have been involved in road traffic accidents in Mambwe so far which were procured at a huge cost under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF),” he said.
Mr. Phiri also lamented that lives were being lost due to road traffic accidents and called for the need intensity road patrols by police in order to curb accidents in the district.
“I honestly do not understand what is happening. Barely a month ago, a truck meant for road works procured through the CDF was involved in an accident and an employee of Mambwe Town Council lost his life.
“The grader was also involved in an accident that killed a cyclist, and now the land cruiser meant for the Zambia Police has been involved in an accident,” he said.
Government recently procured 156 Zambia Police Service vehicles under CDF and where handed over to the respective constituencies by President Hakainde Hichilema.
New people think the police don’t act because of lack of transport. Far from it. Transport is used for personal errands. Someone offered transport so that the police could be easily track down the people who had broken into his house. Alas, the vehicle was now doing things not even remotely connected to his case.
@Deja Vu: I agree. I saw this even in the days of Kaunda, where Zairian thieves would surround a house, break in, lock the residents in the toilet, and wipe all their property, while the police could not respond, because their only vehicle was parked outside the police captain’s home that night, as a personal to holder vehicle. There needs to be an investigation, and if punishment needs to be meted out, let this be done quickly and mercilessly. Be need to become fearful of their jobs and the property of their employers, whether governmental or private. These vehicles cost a ton of money that we simply do not have
20 years ago, I worked for an NGO, I used to drive and drinking Mosi, guess who taught me those manners, ba kapokola.. luckily I only over a dog, and didn’t die, but that barking of pain … I still hear it.
Probably a sacrifice. Are we safe
How does know the the police are lacking in all spheres
all grz vehicles dont adhere to any rules of the road Plus the blue light brigade are reckless
so not surprised at all
It is time to impose discipline within their ranks by punishment, firing, hiring and training the replacements to higher standards. It really is. Let there be a thorough and well-publicised investigation, and may the chips fall where the may at the end of it.
It’s all down to bad driving,overspeeding is the cause.They should be made to pay for the damages caused.Minister is clueless how can you say the police should intensify road patrols when it’s the police causing accident by overspeeding.
Please these are taxpayers’ money you are wasting what kind of people Zambians we are? Such very expensive vehicles you damage them just like that!
Ati cdf is working. Not knowing its a vehicle to kill more zambian as sacrifices for blood hungry hh. Fuseke
When I said CDF should be used for developmental projects and not subsidising us€l€ss Mwiibu’s security budget I was insulted by the usual BBT UPND praise singers…one down many to go!!! Go to police posts in Lusaka for instant and see if you’ll find any of these new vehicles. Good luck on your path to becoming the most impoverished country on earth led by the most u$l€$$ president…
The driver must be made to pay for this vehicle through his benefits and pension. Enough of this careless wastage of public funds through careless driving.
Sorry about the accidents.
Should the police vehicle be bought from constituent funds? No.
They belong to the Home Affairs budget.