Choma’s Overspill Compound Residents Demand Speed Humps to Prevent Road Tragedies

Residents of Overspill Compound in Choma District are calling on local authorities to take immediate action to improve road safety by installing speed humps along a dangerous stretch of road between Old Ban Cemetery and Zambia Compound. The growing concern comes amid rising cases of overspeeding by both motorists and motorbike riders passing through the residential zone.

One of the vocal residents, George Simulyata, spoke to Byta FM News, expressing deep concern about the lack of traffic control measures in an area increasingly populated with families, children, and pedestrians.

“Drivers and motorcyclists frequently overspeed along this route, without any regard for the safety of others,” Simulyata stated. “This behaviour is especially dangerous for toddlers and elderly residents who use this road daily.”

He stressed that the current situation presents an accident waiting to happen and urged all road users to practice caution, especially when passing through residential areas where children often play near the roadside.

Local Leadership Joins the Call

Backing these sentiments, Shadreck Handima, Chairperson for Overspill Compound Section B, added his voice to the growing concern. Handima warned that unless something is done urgently, the continued recklessness by motorists could soon lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

“We’ve already had several near-misses. If nothing is done, it’s only a matter of time before we lose lives. We are appealing to the Choma Municipal Council to install speed humps along this road as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Handima also emphasized that while residents are committed to educating children about road safety, infrastructure solutions—such as speed humps and visible road signage—are essential in high-risk zones.

Community Safety vs. Commuter Convenience

While the stretch of road in question serves as a convenient route for commuters and commercial vehicles moving between Old Ban Cemetery and Zambia Compound, residents say their safety must come first.

Overspill Compound has experienced steady population growth in recent years, leading to increased pedestrian traffic, particularly from schoolchildren and traders. Despite this, the area lacks basic traffic calming infrastructure, which has contributed to reckless driving becoming the norm.

Residents Take Initiative

In the absence of swift government intervention, some community members have resorted to placing stones, tires, or temporary barriers on the road to slow down traffic. However, these makeshift solutions are not sustainable and can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially at night.

There have also been informal efforts to engage with ward councillors and municipal representatives, but residents say the process has been slow, and promises of road safety enhancements have yet to materialize.

Call to Action

Both Simulyata and Handima are urging the Choma Municipal Council, Road Development Agency (RDA), and local ward authorities to act before disaster strikes.

“We are not asking for much—just speed humps and maybe a few warning signs. We want to protect our families,” said Simulyata.

As communities like Overspill continue to grow and evolve, the demand for safe and inclusive urban planning becomes more urgent. Whether or not the authorities respond swiftly remains to be seen, but residents have made it clear: their safety should not be compromised by unchecked speed and poor road regulation.