University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) President, Dixon Mutambo, has dismissed allegations of violent protests by students following the tragic death of a female student who was struck by a vehicle yesterday evening.
Mr. Mutambo emphasized the urgent need to address student safety, particularly the dangers posed by the Great East Road, a major highway running alongside the university.
While acknowledging government’s efforts in constructing a footbridge to improve campus access, he noted that it remains inadequate, especially for students living off-campus.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Mutambo called on government, through the Ministry of Transport, to install speed bumps along the Great East Road, particularly at key crossing points used by students commuting to and from their boarding houses.
He also raised concerns over bureaucratic delays in implementing essential safety measures, stressing that such inefficiencies negatively impact the institution despite the government’s willingness to address student concerns.
“There is an urgent need for government to accelerate these processes to ensure student safety because the institution has lost students to road accidents on multiple occasions in such tragic circumstances,” said Mr. Mutambo.
He further refuted claims that students engaged in violent protests, clarifying that such acts are often carried out by political cadres masquerading as students to vandalize property and attack the public.
Mr. Mutambo urged students to remain calm, adhere to peaceful demonstrations, and focus on mourning their late colleague with dignity.
By Betty Kakoma
