Brian Rungano Temba
Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to lead the process that will see a lasting solution to urban traffic congestion and poor lighting being addressed.
Local authorities are supposed to be dealing with these issues, but the councillors and administrators have their hands full with parcelling land, service delivery is considered to be secondary.
Government has refused to fold hands as its citizens suffer in the hands of incompetent local authorities.
This was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa at today`s post-cabinet press briefing.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the road congestion is a sign that the economy has started to move back into normalcy post the shock it suffered from the global COVID-19 pandemic, however she noted the need to ensure the traffic menace is dealt with.
“Cabinet notes that there is increased economic activity due to the decisive interventions by Government on the financial sector.
Additionally, the easing of the lockdown measures, the increased availability of fuel on the local market, and increased economic activity, has seen the number of cars on our roads increase and this has resulted in vehicle traffic congestion,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
With the increase in violent crimes, the move is set to ensure resident safety in cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
Minister Mutsvangwa said an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo has been directed to look into decongesting the roads and addressing the poor the lighting in our cities.
Road users were also reminded to be cautious on the roads and observe the laid down regulations, as some are now causing chaos.
“Related to this, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe continue to enhance surveillance and enforcement in response to the upsurge of unregistered private kombis plying the country’s urban routes,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Cabinet urged owners of kombis that may be laying idle to register with ZUPCO if they wish to operate on the country’s roads.
Minister Mutsvangwa reminded drivers and crews of registered buses and kombis operating under the ZUPCO franchise are urged to strictly adhere to road rules and regulations as well as COVID-19 guidelines in order to avoid unnecessary delays to the travelling public and brushes with the law enforcement agencies.
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