Gwanda to install traffic lights along the Bulawayo - Beitbridge highway

GWANDA Town Council is planning to introduce traffic control signals to regulate the movement of vehicles in the mining town.

There has been an increase in traffic in the Matabeleland South provincial capital, especially ex-Japanese vehicles that have since flooded the town.

The busy Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway which passes through the town has also added to the traffic volume.  During peak hours, motorists find it difficult to negotiate their way through the town and there is a feeling that the problem can only be rectified through the introduction of traffic lights.

In an interview yesterday, Gwanda mayor, Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu said plans for erecting traffic control signals started sometime before the election of the new councillors last year.  He said about three companies had shown interest in working with the council on the project.

"Our plan is to start up with a T-junction at Caltex Garage although we have also identified several other streets where we intend to install traffic lights," added Clr Ndlovu.

Environmental Management and Works Committee chairperson Councillor Mduduzi Ncube told a full council meeting on Wednesday that the setting up of traffic lights had been in the pipeline for a long time.

"The issue of traffic lights has been talked about for a long time and we urge the engineering department to seriously consider it. It should be prioritised because there is an increase in traffic in the town," he said.