Harare steps up traffic management, public safety

Diana Nherera

THE City of Harare is making progress in rehabilitating and automating traffic lights, while also installing cameras at selected intersections as part of efforts to improve traffic management and public safety.

Speaking at a Highlands stakeholders’ feedback meeting held at the Highlands District Office yesterday, Ward 7 Mt Pleasant Councillor and Harare Deputy Mayor Rosemary Muronda said the interventions would improve traffic monitoring and management while supporting efforts to combat crime.

She said the city was also strengthening its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to improve the efficiency of council operations, revenue management, accessibility, accountability and service delivery.

Cllr Muronda said the council was aware of residents’ concerns about water availability, pressure, and reliability.

She said the local authority was working on various interventions to address the challenges and improve water supply to affected communities.

“Together with Helcraw Water, the City of Harare is undertaking an extensive water replacement programme aiming to address ageing infrastructure, frequent bursts and water losses,” she said.

“Approximately 8.5 kilometres of water pipes have already been replaced across Highlands and Greendale.

“The partnership with Helcraw is expected to assist in increasing water production from approximately 300 megalitres per day to 520 megalitres per day.”

Cllr Muronda said filter rehabilitation works have already commenced at Morton Jaffray waterworks.

She said the city has not yet commenced installation of prepaid water meters in Region 5 primarily because of the prevailing water shortages.

“Our immediate priority is to strengthen water production and the distribution network so that we can move towards a more reliable water supply,” said Cllr Muronda.

She said the city has been rehabilitating and undertaking pothole patching along Winter Avenue, Churchill Avenue, North Road, Steppes Road and Acturus Road.

“These works are part of the continued effort to improve road infrastructure,” said Cllr Muronda.

She said she is pleased that regular waste collection is now taking place in the ward.

“However, maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility. I therefore encourage residents in every area, when cleanup activities are taking place, to actively participate in cleaning up, desist from littering and take responsibility for keeping the frontages and back yards of our homes, offices and businesses clean as well as maintained,” said Cllr Muronda.