NetOne, ZRP sign MoU

Zimbabwe's second-largest mobile network provider NetOne, yesterday donated four motorcycles, reflective jackets and rain suits to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Traffic Section for use while controlling traffic at intersections, especially during peak hours.

ZRP and NetOne also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the force's capacity to de-congest the central business district (CBD) and ensure a smooth flow of traffic on the roads.

Police Deputy Commissioner-General (operations) Learn Ncube signed the MOU on behalf of the ZRP, while NetOne board chairperson Mr James Mutizirwa signed on behalf of the mobile services provider. NetOne donated four motorcycles, 217 reflective jackets, 31 rain suits and whistles worth over $65 000 under the banner of the ZRP-NetOne Smart Cities partnership.

Speaking soon after receiving the goods Deputy Comm-Gen Ncube said the donation had come at a time when the force was enhancing efforts to tame the traffic jungle in a bid to store sanity in Harare. He said the donation also demonstrated the magnanimity of the corporate world to join hands with the force to restore order on the county's roads through mobilising critical resources for crime and traffic management.

"It is an open fact that vehicular traffic in the country has immensely increased over the years.

"A number of attendant challenges such as the surge in reckless driving conduct, wanton disregard of traffic rules and regulations, especially in Central Business District, have become a common feature on our roads.

"It is tragic that each day so many lives are put in danger by the so called mushika-shikas and errant motorists through reckless driving conduct," Deputy Comm-Gen Ncube said.

He said the solution to tame the traffic jungle does not lie with the ZRP alone, but all stakeholders including Government, local authorities, transport operators, members of the public and business community, among others.

"It is in this regard that we welcome the signing of this milestone agreement as well as the donation by NetOne. Indeed, the move is a bold gesture which we encourage other members of the corporate community to emulate," he said.

Deputy Comm-Gen Ncube said as the nation marches towards becoming a middle-income economy by the year 2030, it was imperative that both Government and non-State entities work in unison so that the desired goals are attained. He assured NetOne that the force will reciprocate this gesture by ensuring that it delivers the highest quality of service in traffic management.

Speaking at the same ceremony, Mr Mutizwa said the background of the partnership stems from their commitment to develop communities by playing a pivotal role in assisting the police to perform their duties.

He said the challenge was not that of the force alone, but a call for corporates to assist.

"We all have an important role as corporate citizens in the safe passage of all commuters to and from their respective destinations. As NetOne, we selected 28 prime intersections, experiencing high traffic volumes, throughout the Central Business District.

"This marks the initial phase of our Safe Cities Partnership, with Zimbabwe Republic Police Traffic Section," he said.

Mr Mutizwa said as a nation they continue to encourage support for the public officials in order for the country to realise Vision 2030.