Smart Traffic System Set to Transform Zimbabwe’s Roads
By Admire Chitsungo
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage,in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP),Telone and Harare Institute of Technology (HIT),has launched Smart Traffic Management System initiative aimed at reducing road accidents and traffic congestion in the country’s cities and highways.
Addressing stakeholders at the Smart Traffic Management System Sensitisation Workshop held at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, described the initiative as a milestone in law enforcement and road safety in the country.
“The system, developed through collaboration between TelOne, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT),has been approved by Cabinet and is ready for phased rollout starting in Harare and Bulawayo,”said Ambassador Faranisi.
He emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration and the Whole-of-Government Approach to ensure the project’s success, calling it a symbol of national pride and local innovation.
“This is not just about traffic flow. It’s about saving lives,boosting efficiency, enhancing Zimbabwe’s governance image, and attracting more investment and tourism,”he said.
Echoing the urgency, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, Managing Director of Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), shared sobering statistics about Zimbabwe’s road safety situation.
On average,five people die on our roads every day, adding up to 153 lives lost monthly. Additionally, 38 people are injured daily, resulting in over 13,000 injuries annually,” he revealed.
Mr Munodawafa also highlighted the economic impact of road crashes, estimating losses of US$406 million annually, about 3% of the country’s GDP.
While Zimbabwe has historically struggled with road safety rankings, Mr Munesu Munodawafa noted progress through improved infrastructure,the piloting of electronic enforcement, and the approval of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) policy framework.
“The Smart Traffic System offers a real chance to change the story. Together, we
can reduce crashes, save lives, and support national development,” he urged.
Both speakers applauded the role of TelOne in providing technical expertise and called on all local authorities and stakeholders to commit to the system’s successful implementation in line with President Mnangagwa’s development mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
The workshop included live demonstrations of the system and engaged stakeholders in discussions on project expectations, governance, and integration across government platforms.
