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Zimbabwe approves smart city initiative to tackle traffic offences
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The government has greenlit the implementation of a home-grown Smart City concept designed to reduce traffic offences and curb road accidents across Zimbabwe.
The initiative, set to be deployed by telecommunications giant TelOne, will leverage cutting-edge technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI), with cameras equipped for automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition capabilities.
Announcing the rollout at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information said the Smart Traffic Management System would modernize how traffic violations are detected and managed.
"The government is set to accelerate the implementation of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, following Cabinet's approval of a proof of concept in 2020, which was used during the COVID-19 period and beyond," Minister Muswere said.
He explained that the system aims to address persistent issues such as traffic congestion, road accidents, and violations by using advanced technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and big data analytics to improve traffic flow, road safety, and enforcement transparency.
Zimbabwe has historically struggled with managing traffic offences effectively, largely due to an outdated ticketing system that has allowed many offenders to evade penalties.
However, concerns remain about the system's effectiveness amid ongoing power outages and unstable internet connectivity in the country.
Muswere noted that the rollout would be phased, beginning in Harare and Bulawayo before expanding to other major urban centers.
"The Home-Grown Traffic Management System will be implemented in phases, starting with Harare and Bulawayo. To ensure success, key factors such as robust project governance, reliable power supply, stable internet, and integration with existing platforms and institutions will be closely monitored," he said.
The Minister added that specialised courts would be established to expedite justice delivery related to traffic offences detected by the system.
"This localised approach will not only enhance enforcement but also promote knowledge transfer, skills development, and national pride, reinforcing self-reliance and sustainability," Muswere concluded.
As Zimbabwe embarks on this ambitious technological upgrade, all eyes will be on the Smart City initiative to see if it can successfully modernize traffic management in a challenging infrastructure environment.
The initiative, set to be deployed by telecommunications giant TelOne, will leverage cutting-edge technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI), with cameras equipped for automatic number plate recognition and facial recognition capabilities.
Announcing the rollout at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information said the Smart Traffic Management System would modernize how traffic violations are detected and managed.
"The government is set to accelerate the implementation of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, following Cabinet's approval of a proof of concept in 2020, which was used during the COVID-19 period and beyond," Minister Muswere said.
He explained that the system aims to address persistent issues such as traffic congestion, road accidents, and violations by using advanced technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and big data analytics to improve traffic flow, road safety, and enforcement transparency.
Zimbabwe has historically struggled with managing traffic offences effectively, largely due to an outdated ticketing system that has allowed many offenders to evade penalties.
Muswere noted that the rollout would be phased, beginning in Harare and Bulawayo before expanding to other major urban centers.
"The Home-Grown Traffic Management System will be implemented in phases, starting with Harare and Bulawayo. To ensure success, key factors such as robust project governance, reliable power supply, stable internet, and integration with existing platforms and institutions will be closely monitored," he said.
The Minister added that specialised courts would be established to expedite justice delivery related to traffic offences detected by the system.
"This localised approach will not only enhance enforcement but also promote knowledge transfer, skills development, and national pride, reinforcing self-reliance and sustainability," Muswere concluded.
As Zimbabwe embarks on this ambitious technological upgrade, all eyes will be on the Smart City initiative to see if it can successfully modernize traffic management in a challenging infrastructure environment.
Source - NewZimbabwe
