“I want you all to come back alive as we have a smart city to build together.”
That is how the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, kicked off the municipality’s Easter Road Safety campaign today, 12 April 2022, at the Grasmere Tollgate Plaza in Region G.
Officials from the City of Johannesburg, Metropolitan Police Department, Emergency Management Service, Licensing and Disaster Management launched the annual multidisciplinary Easter campaign at the busy route.
“This is the campaign to remind road users that road safety is joint responsibility while as the city we have the responsibility to make sure that our roads are tarred,” Mayor Phalatse said.
She warned motorists not to consume alcohol while driving as it could affect everyone using the road.
Mayor Phalatse was flanked by most members of the Mayoral Committee, who included Public Safety MMC Cllr David Tembe, Transport MMC Cllr Funzi Ngobeni, Economic Development MMC Cllr Nkuli Mbundu, Housing MMC Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, Community Development MMC Cllr Ronald Harris and Development Planning MMC Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku.
This campaign aimed to educate the public about road safety, whereas the JMPD officials checked if the vehicle are roadworthy. JMPD officers will be out on the roads throughout the Easter long weekend to ensure the motorists and holidaymakers comply with road safety rules.
Public Safety MMC urged the road users to adhere to the road rules and rest if they feel fatigued. MMC Ngobeni pleaded with the drivers to rest, especially those who will be driving long distances.
A spokesperson of the United Taxi Association said their presence at the launch of the campaign was to ensure that the movement of taxis around and beyond Joburg during this time of year is easy on the passengers and drivers.
“Our partnership with the City ensures that we get our message across and get the effectiveness of getting better transport,” he added before wishing commuters safe travels to their respective destinations.
Written by Dakalo Ramudidibi
12/04/2022