Harare council warns of road closures

Harare drivers should prepare for significant traffic disruptions on Saturday, June 7, 2025, as the City of Harare has announced widespread road closures in the Central Business District (CBD) to commemorate World Bicycle Day.

According to a public notice issued by Acting Town Clerk Engineer P.M. Moyo, the closures will be in effect from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, affecting several key roads, which will be either fully or partially closed to traffic for the duration of the event.

"The public is being advised that there shall be a temporary road closure for the World Bicycle Day commemorations," the notice stated.

Motorists are urged to plan alternative routes and expect delays throughout the city centre during the nine-hour closure.

According to the notice, the following roads will be affected:

Leopold Takawira Avenue between Robert Mugabe Road and Jason Moyo Avenue – fully closed
Robert Mugabe Road (one lane closed) between Leopold Takawira and Sam Nujoma Street
Inez Terrace between Robert Mugabe and Jason Moyo Avenue – fully closed
Angwa Street between Robert Mugabe and Jason Moyo Avenue – fully closed
Sam Nujoma Street (one lane closed) between Robert Mugabe and Jason Moyo Avenue
Jason Moyo Avenue (one lane closed) between Leopold Takawira and Sam Nujoma
Rezende Street between Robert Mugabe Road and Speke Avenue – fully closed

"Alternative routes will be clearly marked with informative signage, and enforcement officers will be on site to guide traffic," reads a notice from the City of Harare.

Although most of the affected roads are located in the city centre, Julius Nyerere Way will remain open, with traffic at intersections managed by officers to ensure smooth flow.

"Julius Nyerere traffic will be controlled by officers at intersections," confirmed the city authorities, adding that all motorists should proceed with caution near the closure zones.

"Traffic approaching the above site should do so with due care," Acting Town Clerk Engineer P.M. Moyo advised.

Reactions from residents have been mixed. Some praised the initiative for promoting environmentally friendly transport and healthier lifestyles.

"This is a great way to encourage cycling and care for the environment," said one commuter who regularly travels into the CBD.

However, others voiced concerns about how the already congested city centre would cope.

"That area is usually chaotic even without road closures. I just hope they manage the traffic properly," another motorist remarked.

World Bicycle Day, declared by the United Nations in 2018, is celebrated globally to promote sustainable transport solutions like cycling.