Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The national pedestrian crossing marking and repainting programme, aimed at improving road safety around schools and protecting vulnerable road users, is continuing countrywide — with the spotlight this week firmly on Chitungwiza as teams move to repaint faded zebra crossings along major arterial routes in the dormitory town.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of pedestrians being killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents across the country.
In Chitungwiza, residents have repeatedly raised the alarm over speeding vehicles along Seke Road, Chitungwiza Hospital junction, and the busy Zengeza 5 intersection, where schoolchildren and commuters risk their lives daily to cross.
The Government recently urged motorists to exercise greater caution when approaching pedestrian crossing points and has acquired specialised equipment to repaint zebra crossings nationwide as part of efforts to reduce road traffic fatalities.
According to police statistics, 2 150 pedestrians were killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents between January and March this year, up from 1 980 cases recorded during the same period last year.
In Chitungwiza alone, police recorded 127 pedestrian-related incidents during the same period, a 14 percent increase from 111 cases in the first quarter of 2025.
Schoolchildren, pedestrians crossing traffic-controlled intersections, as well as people walking along roadsides and pavements, account for the majority of victims.
In Chitungwiza, most casualties occur along the high-density stretches of Seke Road, the Manyame Park turn-off, and near St Mary’s shopping centre, where crossing points are either worn out or poorly visible at night.
The increase in casualties has prompted authorities to intensify road safety interventions, including the refurbishment and repainting of pedestrian crossing points across the country’s 10 provinces.
This week, the teams conducted such campaigns at several schools and high-traffic zones in Chitungwiza, including Chitungwiza Primary School, Seke 1 High School, and the busy bus terminus near Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
“TSCZ, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), this week conducted a zebra crossing marking exercise at Chitungwiza Primary School and along Seke Road as part of the ongoing National Pedestrian Crossing Programme, which seeks to enhance pedestrian safety and create safer roads for all road users across the country,” the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) said in a statement.
“The National Pedestrian Crossing Marking Programme continues to make significant strides in improving road safety by ensuring that pedestrian crossings are clearly marked in strategic locations, especially around schools and other high pedestrian traffic areas.
“The initiative reflects a shared commitment to reducing road traffic accidents and fostering a safer road environment for pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and all other road users.
“Through sustained partnerships and coordinated road safety interventions, TSCZ and ZINARA remain dedicated to building safer communities and promoting a culture of road safety throughout Zimbabwe.”
The council said that through collaborative action and sustained road safety initiatives, they remain committed to building a safer road environment where every pedestrian, learner, motorist and cyclist can travel with greater confidence and security.
While the repainting exercise has been welcomed by Chitungwiza residents, many say visibility alone is not enough.
“We are happy that they are finally painting the crossings near Chitungwiza Hospital, but what is the point if drivers do not stop? I have seen mothers with babies almost run over because cars treat zebra crossings as suggestions, not rules,” said Mrs Grace Mhundwa, a vendor who operates near the Zengeza 5 junction.
“My daughter was knocked down last year at the Manyame Park crossing. The paint was completely faded. Now it is bright and visible, but we need police at peak hours to enforce the law,” added Mr Chengetai Mbira, a resident of Unit L.
The nationwide initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure and reduce the number of pedestrian-related accidents on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona recently launched the initiative to repaint pedestrian crossing points and said the Government would continue prioritising safety by curbing road traffic accidents across the country.
Chitungwiza District Traffic Officer Chief Superintendent Godfrey Munyuki said his team is working with TSCZ to identify all critical crossing points in the town.
“We have mapped over 40 zebra crossings in Chitungwiza that require urgent refurbishment. So far, we have completed 18, and we expect to finish the remaining 22 by the end of July. However, we appeal to motorists to slow down and to parents to educate their children on proper crossing behaviour,” he said.
“The new markings at Braeside are good, but I hope they will also do something about the junction near Chitungwiza Magistrates Court — that place is an accident waiting to happen,” said Mr Tapiwa Chikomo, a kombi driver who plies the Harare-Chitungwiza route.
The TSCZ confirmed that the programme would continue rolling out across all provinces, with Chitungwiza identified as a priority hotspot due to its dense population and high commuter volumes.
