When officiating at an occasion to mark the 30th Anniversary celebrations of MVA Fund’s existence, Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development. Mr. Matambo said “The Fund continues to execute its mandate with due diligence and has impacted positively on the lives of those affected by road traffic crashes”
He noted that the road safety situation in Botswana one area that remains a serious cause for concern to the Fund.
The escalation of road crashes particularly severe injuries and deaths leads to increased claim costs which ultimately threatens the financial sustainability of the Fund. Road crashes claim an average of 420 lives every year in Botswana. Globally, 1.25 million people die each year due to road crashes. The health and socio-economic impact of road crashes is enormous.
In terms of social impact, road crashes leave many children without parents which leaves them vulnerable. There is also loss of loved ones, spouses, and breadwinners. All these factors lead to many other social challenges including moral dissipation mostly among young people. Road crashes are also negating
Government efforts of poverty eradication and economic development because the most susceptible are breadwinners.It is upon this background that MVA Fund continues to aggressively promote road safety through various public education programmes.
“noted that road safety management is by nature multi-faceted hence requires multi-sectoral approach. “As road safety stakeholders, we ought to forge effective partnerships and avoid silo mentality so that we can efficiently utilize the meagre resources to make positive impact. The community and the private sector must equally come onboard because we all benefit one way or the other from a safe road transport system” he said..”
– The Hon. Minister
The following were highlighted as the main challenges facing the Fund in execution of its mandate;
- Limited medical and rehabilitative facilities and expertise in Botswana and having to refer severely injured claimants to South Africa which is expensive;
- Escalating road traffic crashes resulting in increased claim costs;
- Lack of national medical tariffs resulting in over charging by some service providers;
- Reduced fuel levy rate owing to competing Government priorities.
- He concluded by encouraging all to use the road responsibly as the festive period commences.
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five