Online Reporter
Christopher Nyika
SIXTH Avenue, long known as an undesignated loading zone for kombis heading to Cowdray Park, Magwegwe, Luveve and other high density suburbs, has turned into a daily traffic nightmare, especially during the early evening hours.
Although the road remains busy throughout the day, the situation worsens towards evening when parts of the street become partially blocked as vendors, buses and kombis all compete for limited space. The congestion makes it difficult for motorists to pass through smoothly due to the sheer volume of human and commercial activity.
Motorists who spoke to B-Metro expressed frustration, with one driver saying he regretted using the route altogether.
“I honestly regret passing through this road. There are too many people, kombis, buses, vendors, trolleys and goods all over the place. You can barely move,” said the motorist.
The junction between Sixth Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street has been flagged as particularly dangerous, with many drivers choosing to avoid it completely in order to minimise delays and reduce the risk of accidents.
Buses travelling as far as Harare and kombis load passengers in the middle of the road without fear, further worsening congestion and posing serious risks to pedestrians and other road users. Pavements are also crowded with goods and handcarts, forcing pedestrians onto the road.
Residents and motorists have called on city authorities to urgently intervene, warning that the situation could easily result in serious accidents if left unattended.
derick.khumalo