By Victor Fanuel
HARARE — City Parking is set to install 49 intelligent traffic management systems across Harare as part of a major initiative aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion in the capital.
Traffic congestion has become one of Harare’s most persistent urban challenges, with motorists often spending long periods navigating gridlocked roads during peak hours.
Congestion in the capital has been caused by a combination of factors, including a rapid increase in vehicle numbers, malfunctioning traffic signals, inadequate parking facilities, poor traffic management, and the proliferation of informal public transport pick-up and drop-off points within the Central Business District (CBD).
The situation has been further aggravated by frequent power outages, which often render traffic lights inoperable and leave major intersections clogged for hours.
Recent research on traffic congestion in Harare has identified faulty traffic signals and load-shedding among the leading causes of traffic delays across the city.
In response to these challenges, City Parking, in partnership with the City of Harare, is rolling out a traffic signals rehabilitation project that will see solar-powered traffic lights installed at key intersections throughout the CBD.
According to the company, the new intelligent traffic management systems will feature high-brightness LED displays, energy-efficient technology, remote monitoring capabilities and modular upgrade options designed to ensure reliable operation under varying conditions.
The integration of solar power is expected to keep traffic signals operational during power outages, reducing traffic disruptions commonly associated with load-shedding and improving the flow of vehicles through busy junctions.
Authorities will also establish a central control room to monitor traffic flows in real time and dynamically adjust signal timings during peak periods to improve movement along some of the city’s most congested routes.
“One of the standout features of the new system is intelligent green wave coordination, which can be implemented by configuring phase differences and timing plans for main road intersections.
“This functionality facilitates continuous green wave progression along main roads, effectively minimising vehicle stops and enhancing both traffic throughput and driver satisfaction,” the company said.
The new traffic lights will be mounted on reinforced concrete pillars, replacing older installations that were frequently damaged through accidents or vandalism.
The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise Harare’s traffic management infrastructure and improve mobility within the city centre, where congestion continues to impose significant economic and productivity costs on businesses, commuters and public transport operators.
