The City of Harare has said there are currently 69 signalised intersections within the Central Business District (CBD), as of 29 May 2025.
However, only 48 of these, approximately 69%, are operational. The remaining 31% are non-functional due to a range of issues.
The challenges leading to the malfunctioning signals include faulty controllers and accessories, with intersections such as R. Mugabe/4th and R. Manyika/4th being notably affected.
Vandalism and theft have taken a toll on equipment at locations like H. Chitepo/4th and Orr Street/R. Manyika.
Power issues have also been a significant factor, as some signals, including those at S. Machiel/S. Nujoma (2nd Str), are not operational due to a lack of electricity from ZETDC.
Moreover, accidents have caused damage to signals, particularly at R. Mugabe/S. Nujoma (2nd Str).
Some traffic lights have been decommissioned during road dualisation projects managed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, with notable sites being N. Mandela/J. Nyerere and S. Nujoma (2nd Str)/H. Chitepo.
In response to these issues, the City of Harare said that it is working on repairs for the non-functional installations. The local authority said:
Currently there are plans to repair existing non-functional installations. The City of Harare is going through procurement processes for parts and other accessories.
The City is also in contact with ZETDC to ensure power is restored on traffic lights in the city like the busy Sam Nujoma/Samora Machel intersection.
There are long term plans in place to holistically address the traffic challenges in the city which include installation of a Traffic Management System – a modern system that ensures coordination and synchronisation of traffic signals to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
The envisaged system will also provide for surveillance and traffic enforcement which will ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
On Traffic Lights decommissioned during dualisation, the City is in discussions with the contractors to make sure they urgently replace the traffic lights.
In the meantime, our municipal police will intensify efforts to assist at major intersections during pick hours.
This and the despicable state of our roads is causing accidents and sadly deaths!