Story by Owen Mandovha
OVER 50 reinforced traffic lights are set to be installed in the Harare Central Business District to complement the Government’s digital traffic management system drive to modernise traffic law enforcement.
One of the busiest road junctions in Harare is at the intersection of Borrowdale and Whitwell Road, and frequent road crashes happen there because not even one traffic light is functional. The local authority has embarked on an ambitious project to install over 55 reinforced traffic lights to improve trafficability and reduce road accidents caused by dysfunctional traffic lights.
“This is in line with our quest to utilise the funds raised from motorists in a prudent way, and we are already installing 55 traffic lights for the first phase of the project, which will improve traffic flow. These are reinforced structures that will withstand road accidents, whereas in the past vandalism of the traffic lights was frequent, turning many intersections into jungles,” Public Relations Manager, City Parking, Mr Francis Mandaza said.
The traffic lights are powered by solar energy to ensure that they operate 24/7 and will complement the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage’s digital traffic management system in Harare, which is installing cameras on traffic intersections.
“That is the new Harare, whereby we aim to reduce chaos in the city. Any violations of traffic rules will be captured on the cameras, and through a database, a notification will be sent to the violators, which need to be paid before one renews their Zinara licences. That will ensure discipline and traffic laws enforcement. That is a new era for traffic management which will reduce traffic chaos in the capital,” City of Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume said.
Motorists who spoke to the news crew noted the integrated traffic management system will reduce accidents and instil discipline on the roads.
“The combi drivers do not obey laws and cause problems, so we welcome the initiative as it ensures discipline and compliance with traffic rules,” a motorist said.
“The system was long overdue, and it makes us match with other developed countries that have no congestion,” another motorist said.
“That is a game-changer because it instils discipline because one knows that if they commit an offence, they will be captured and made to pay fines,” a road user said.
The digital traffic management system seeks to minimise human interactions in the enforcement of road traffic rules and act as a deterrent measure to minimise the violation of traffic rules by motorists, to establish trafficability and reduce road crashes
