UN Global Road Safety Week: Osman Mahomed Calls for a Culture of Responsibility on Mauritian Roads
The Ministry of Land Transport, in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, organized a consultative workshop to discuss the National Road Safety Strategy 2026–2030 and collaboratively reflect on the future of road safety in Mauritius on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Réduit, as part of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week.
The UN Global Road Safety Week is observed annually in May to raise awareness about road safety and promote actions for safer roads. This year, it takes place from May 8 to 12 under the theme "Safe Walking and Cycling for Sustainable Healthy Cities."
The Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UoM, Professor P. Ramasami, and other dignitaries attended the opening ceremony. Policymakers, students, academics, researchers, engineers, regulatory authorities, health professionals, and other key stakeholders participated in the workshop.
In his speech, the Minister of Land Transport emphasized that the National Road Safety Strategy discussed during the workshop outlines a new roadmap aimed at strengthening a more resilient road safety ecosystem. He highlighted that the contribution of the Road Safety Observatory will be crucial in enabling policymakers to ensure a swift and comprehensive implementation of decisions, moving from reactive responses to more proactive and targeted interventions.
Osman Mahomed called on more UoM students to engage with the land transport sector, particularly in research and development, stressing that it remains vital for the well-being and safety of the entire population. "The National Road Safety Strategy will serve as a comprehensive roadmap towards a future where our roads are safer for all users, especially the most vulnerable such as cyclists and pedestrians," he noted.
The Minister stressed that the strategy is centered on key pillars, including strengthening road infrastructure safety, promoting safer road behavior, and leveraging technology and innovation. He further indicated that the new strategy will be more adaptive and forward-looking, considering emerging trends and risks to ensure that policies remain relevant in an evolving traffic environment.
Moreover, he stated that greater emphasis will be placed on behavior change, and law enforcement will be complemented by sustained public education, community engagement, and the integration of road safety into the educational curriculum. "The ultimate goal is to foster a culture of responsibility and respect on the road," said Osman Mahomed.
