Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
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BULAWAYO City Council is considering converting Herbert Chitepo Street and Fort Street into one-way traffic lanes running in opposite directions as part of efforts to ease congestion in the central business district (CBD).
The proposal follows growing calls from residents for measures to improve traffic flow in the city centre.
Council spokesperson Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the local authority appreciates the proposal and is already considering it as part of broader traffic management plans aimed at improving mobility within the CBD.
“The City of Bulawayo is aware of the growing need to improve traffic flow within the Central Business District, and the proposal forms part of the city’s broader traffic management plans,” said Mrs Mpofu.
She said the implementation of the system would, however, depend on extensive road infrastructure upgrades to ensure the affected roads and alternative routes can accommodate the anticipated changes in traffic patterns.
“Before such a system can be implemented, there is need to first upgrade the affected roads and supporting routes to ensure they are able to effectively handle the anticipated traffic changes,” she said.
Mrs Mpofu said priority works would include the upgrading of Herbert Chitepo Street and Fort Street, as well as improvements to Basch Street between 8th Avenue Extension and Falls Road and Basch Street between Khami Road and 13th Avenue.
She added that Steelworks Road would also need to be made fully trafficable to support the proposed changes.
The local authority continues to assess various measures aimed at addressing congestion within the CBD, with any review of traffic flow patterns expected to be guided by the condition of road infrastructure and the need to provide a safe, efficient and sustainable transport system for both motorists and pedestrians.
The proposed one-way system is expected to improve traffic circulation, reduce congestion during peak hours and enhance accessibility within Bulawayo’s busy commercial centre once the necessary infrastructure upgrades have been completed.
Bongani Ndlovu