adminRichard Muponde Gwanda Correspondent
GWANDA Town Council recently installed traffic lights for the first time in the town which was established 116 years ago.
The town’s roads were controlled by give way and stop signs since its establishment in 1900.
The traffic lights were installed six months ago at two intersections which link with the Gwanda-Beitbridge Highway but were only switched on last Friday.
Gwanda mayor, Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu, said the traffic control lights were necessitated by the growing number of vehicles in the town and high volumes of traffic that pass through the town to and from South Africa.
“The traffic lights will go a long away in helping a free flow of traffic in the town. Of late we’ve experienced an increase in the number of vehicles plying our roads in the town centre. It’s a good development that helps prevent accidents.
“If need arises we’ll install more such lights,” said Clr Ndlovu.
The move has been welcome by motorists who said the traffic lights will help decongest the busy roads.
Joseph Moyo, a pirate taxi driver who plies the Gwanda-Bulawayo route, said high volumes of traffic to and from South Africa, were making it difficult for Gwanda residents to move freely.
“At times we would turn in front of oncoming traffic due to high traffic volumes. This was dangerous as it could lead into fatal accidents. Now that the robots have been installed, vehicles travelling on the highway will also stop and allow local traffic to proceed safely,” said Moyo.
Mthulisi Moyo, a metered taxi driver, said more traffic lights should be installed in the town given the increased volume of traffic.
“We really welcome the introduction of the traffic lights which makes driving easy,” said Mthulisi.
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