News / National
Harare CBD traffic chaos
31 May 2025 at 13:43hrs | Views
The Harare City Council has revealed that only 48 out of the 69 traffic signal-controlled intersections in the city's central business district (CBD) are currently operational, with the remaining 31 out of service due to a range of persistent technical and infrastructural challenges.
In a statement issued today, council officials attributed the widespread malfunctioning of traffic lights to a combination of factors, including faulty controllers and accessories, vandalism, and inconsistent power supply from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
"Factors contributing to the malfunctioning signals include faulty controllers and accessories, vandalism at several locations, and power supply issues from ZETDC," the statement read.
The Council also noted that some traffic lights were decommissioned as a result of road dualisation projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
In response to the growing concerns over traffic congestion and road safety, the City of Harare said it is prioritising the repair of the affected intersections. It confirmed that procurement processes are underway to acquire the necessary parts and components for the non-functioning installations.
"The City is also in contact with ZETDC to ensure power is restored to critical intersections," said the statement, highlighting high-traffic junctions such as Sam Nujoma Street and Samora Machel Avenue as areas requiring urgent attention.
As part of a long-term solution, the council announced plans to roll out a modern Traffic Management System aimed at improving road safety and easing traffic flow. The proposed system will synchronise traffic signals and introduce surveillance features to enforce traffic regulations and reduce lawlessness on the roads.
In the meantime, the City of Harare has deployed municipal police to key intersections during peak hours to assist with traffic management and reduce congestion.
Residents and commuters have long complained about the worsening traffic situation in Harare's CBD, with non-functioning traffic lights contributing to delays, accidents, and general disorder on the roads.
In a statement issued today, council officials attributed the widespread malfunctioning of traffic lights to a combination of factors, including faulty controllers and accessories, vandalism, and inconsistent power supply from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
"Factors contributing to the malfunctioning signals include faulty controllers and accessories, vandalism at several locations, and power supply issues from ZETDC," the statement read.
The Council also noted that some traffic lights were decommissioned as a result of road dualisation projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
"The City is also in contact with ZETDC to ensure power is restored to critical intersections," said the statement, highlighting high-traffic junctions such as Sam Nujoma Street and Samora Machel Avenue as areas requiring urgent attention.
As part of a long-term solution, the council announced plans to roll out a modern Traffic Management System aimed at improving road safety and easing traffic flow. The proposed system will synchronise traffic signals and introduce surveillance features to enforce traffic regulations and reduce lawlessness on the roads.
In the meantime, the City of Harare has deployed municipal police to key intersections during peak hours to assist with traffic management and reduce congestion.
Residents and commuters have long complained about the worsening traffic situation in Harare's CBD, with non-functioning traffic lights contributing to delays, accidents, and general disorder on the roads.
Source - Herald
