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Farai Dauramanzi Herald Correspondent

THE Government has taken steps to eliminate congestion on city roads and install proper lighting in the country’s urban areas.

This is being done through interventions and projects that are broadly categorised under government’s infrastructure and enhanced public transport systems and enforcement components.

Speaking during yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said that the infrastructure component includes the repair of street lights along major trunk roads; repair and upgrading of traffic lights and signals at major junctions; installation of new traffic signals as well as the addition of filter lanes at roundabouts and selected junctions.

“Introduction of dedicated bus lanes and carriageway markings; construction of proper kerbing and jersey barriers; completion of one way roads; widening and repair of roads; and improvement of termini facilities.

“Highlights of the good works done to date include the resurfacing of Seke Road which is over 80 percent complete; the Simon Mazorodze/Paisley Road junction asphalt overlay, which will form part of the Mbudzi Traffic Interchange and is over 75 percent complete,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Minister Mutsvangwa also said that the Mbudzi Interchange, designs have been completed as well as the selection of the detour roads namely, Chimhanda, Stoneridge, Amalinda and Forbes.

The Minister also gave an update on notable achievements under the Enhanced Urban Transport Logistics or Systems category.

“An additional 50 new buses were received and commissioned for ZUPCO (Zimbabwe United Passenger Company); the software for the electronic ticketing system was developed and certification was granted; and the passenger train services were rolled out in Harare under the ZUPCO franchise.

“The Mufakose Commuter train is now fully subscribed carrying up to 1 300 passengers per trip. 

“Ruwa and Tynwald are slowly gaining momentum. The services are set to be extended to Bulawayo soon,” explained Minister Mutsvangwa.

On enforcement of traffic by-laws, Minister Mutsvangwa said that there will be joint operations by Municipal traffic police and Zimbabwe Republic Police as well as the setting up of impounding yards. 

“The operation to remove illegal taxis and criminalising trading at intersections is ongoing, while deterrent fines are being charged for touting.

“Joint deployments of City of Harare and the Zimbabwe Republic Police traffic officers at intersections are ongoing, with a significant number of municipal officers having been trained so far,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.