By Aminata Sanneh
The Ministry of Transport Works and Infrastructure (MoTWI) is set to embark on a nationwide road safety awareness campaign.
Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Matar Ceesay, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure confirmed that preparations are underway for the nationwide road safety awareness campaign.
He said the initiative is part of government’s efforts to enhance road safety and reduce the number of traffic-related incidents, while giving assurance of the Ministry’s stance to embark on this initiative in five selected communities across the country.
“This initiative is a proactive measure aimed at addressing the increasing concerns over road safety and promoting a culture of responsible driving,” he said.
According to PS Ceesay, statistics have shown a worrying trend in traffic accidents and fatalities in several communities.
These incidents, he stressed, have not only resulted in the loss of lives but also caused significant social and economic disruptions.
He added that the Ministry of Transport recognizes the urgent need to address these issues by educating the public on safe driving practices, traffic regulations, and the importance of road safety.
“The primary objective of this campaign is to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities by raising awareness about the importance of road safety, educating drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on safe road usage and encouraging adherence to traffic laws and regulations. It will as well promote community involvement in road safety initiatives and enhancing the overall safety of road users in the targeted communities.
On her part, Sainabou Houma, Principal Transport Officer at the Ministry of Transport said the road safety awareness campaign will be rolled out by engaging local leaders, schools, and community groups to ensure widespread participation and support. She noted that educational materials including posters and stickers will be provided to reinforce the road safety message.
Ms Houma also disclosed that the Ministry has put a Monitoring and Evaluation scheme in place to assess the impact of the campaign through feedback and to measure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
“The Ministry of Transport is committed to creating safer roads for everyone and believes that with collective effort and increased awareness, we can significantly reduce road accidents and save lives,” she said.
