Since it’s inception, the Chitetezo project team have worked in close collaboration with the Malawian Government Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS). Following a DRTSS-hosted seminar event in Lilongwe...Read More
Since it’s inception, the Chitetezo project team have worked in close collaboration with the Malawian Government Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS). Following a DRTSS-hosted seminar event in Lilongwe February 2024, the Chitetezo team held a follow up meeting with DRTSS officials in Lilongwe on the 23rd of September 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to explore further collaboration on improving road safety data collection processes.
The Chitetezo project’s traffic collision spatial data analysis highlighted challenges in data quality and underscored the potential benefits of adopting digital geospatial data collection and analysis. During the meeting, these challenges were reaffirmed, with discussions emphasizing the need for a more efficient and reliable process for collecting road traffic collision data.
The Chitetezo team proposed potential solutions, including securing additional funding to develop a user-friendly mobile application. This app would enable police officers to digitally record incidents with greater accuracy and consistency, tag precise locations, and document the severity of collisions. Feedback from the meeting supported the idea, noting that such an app could be a viable solution if it is affordable, simple to use, and accessible even in areas with limited network or Wi-Fi coverage.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of training police officers and DRTSS staff in the use of open-source geospatial analysis programmes. This training would enable sustainable analysis of digital road traffic collision data and help prioritise resources for areas with the greatest need.
The Chitetezo team plans to continue engaging with DRTSS and other possible funders to secure funding for scaling up our digital data collection and analysis proposals.
The Chitetezo team with the DRTSS officials
