By Ncaba Ntshakala
THE recent string of accidents in Malagwane has triggered concerns about their potential economic impacts. Sunday’s incident, where a truck transporting coal overturned at the notorious hill, resulted in a significant disruption to traffic flow, causing a substantial traffic jam for over 5 hours.
As a result, numerous trucks remained immobile for an extended period, leading to delays in economic progress. Most trucks which were stuck are those that ferry coal to Sidvokodvo where Grindrod moves coal from South Africa to Maputo through the Eswatini Railway.
Speaking to an economist, he argued that the consequences of this unfortunate incident have reverberated across the local economy. “The halted movement of trucks not only impacts the transportation sector but also affects various other industries that rely on the timely delivery of goods and materials.
Supply chains have been disrupted, leading to potential delays in manufacturing processes and overall economic productivity,” he said. The traffic congestion resulting from the accident can impede the smooth functioning of businesses and hinder individuals from reaching their destinations.
This, in turn, hampers productivity, as employees may be unable to report to work on time or may face difficulties in fulfilling their job responsibilities, according to the economist. On Friday morning, another truck spilt cardboard and forced a road closure. The economist has expressed that the economic impacts of such accidents go beyond the immediate consequences.
He says that long traffic delays not only cause frustration among drivers but also translate into increased fuel consumption and additional maintenance costs for vehicles stuck in the gridlock. Also, businesses may suffer financial losses due to missed deadlines, reduced customer footfall, or cancelled orders.
The economist advised that to mitigate the economic repercussions of continuous accidents in Malagwane, the motorist must drive with care. He applauded the Royal Eswatini Police Services and Ministry of Public Works and Transport for their work towards strengthening road safety measures, improving infrastructure, and implementing effective traffic management strategies that can be instrumental in preventing future accidents and minimizing their detrimental effects on the local economy.
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Furthermore, prioritizing the exploration of alternative routes and ensuring that emergency response teams are promptly deployed to accident sites can help minimize traffic disruptions and facilitate the swift restoration of normal economic activities.
Addressing the issue of continuous accidents and their economic impacts, the economist has advised that such requires a comprehensive, collaborative effort between government entities, law enforcement agencies, transportation authorities, and the general public.
“By working together, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects of accidents, promote safety, and foster sustained economic progress in our roads,” he expressed.
