Sundaymail Editor
Nokuthula Dube
Cash flow challenges have stalled the completion of Harare’s traffic lights and streetlights rehabilitation programme, prompting the council to request additional Government funding to finalise the project.
This year, Harare successfully replaced traffic lights at 20 intersections to improve traffic flow, while new streetlights were installed along several roads within the Central Business District (CBD).
The rehabilitation programme was initiated as part of preparations for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in August.
Initially, the City of Harare sought to complete all traffic light and streetlight repairs by the end of September.
However, funding delays over recent months have hampered progress.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Harare City Council’s head of corporate communications Mr Stanley Gama said: “The repairs and upgrades of streetlights and
traffic signals are still ongoing, but
progress has been affected by cash flow challenges.
“As soon as the situation improves, you will notice a lot of progress on the ground.”
He said Harare acknowledges that some intersections remain without functioning traffic lights.
“Some intersections are, however, affected by power supply challenges and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company is working on resolving the problems at intersections such as Nelson Mandela Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street; Jason Moyo Avenue and Angwa Street; as well as at the intersection of Robert Mugabe Road and Angwa Street,” he added.
“Some sites are awaiting delivery of key components and this is affecting intersections such as Robert Mugabe Road and Simon Muzenda Street; Robson Manyika Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street; Robson Manyika Avenue and Angwa Street (now Sir Seretse Khama Street), Fidel Castro Street and Leopold Takawira Street; Robert Mugabe Road and First Street, and a few others within the CBD.”
To accommodate new installations, the council has also begun decommissioning outdated traffic lights.
“We also had to decommission old traffic lights on Second Street Extension and Lomagundi Road to allow for road dualisation works.
“The contractors are in the process of installing new ones to ensure smooth traffic management on the expanded roads.”
Online Reporter