By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says traffic congestion in the capital will continue to deteriorate unless residents reduce their reliance on private vehicles and embrace public transport.
Addressing delegates at the Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), Integrity and Accountability Summit on Tuesday, Mafume said Harare’s road infrastructure can no longer cope with the increasing number of vehicles using the city’s roads each day.
He said changing travel patterns have compounded the problem, with many families now owning several vehicles and individual household members driving separately instead of sharing transport.
Mafume also said many residents were making unnecessary trips into the city centre for services that could be accessed within their local communities, placing further strain on the road network.
The mayor revealed that a private investor is preparing to roll out 200 buses to strengthen Harare’s public transport system, describing the initiative as part of efforts to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads.
“The buses have already been purchased and are on their way.
“The investors have engaged both the City of Harare and the relevant ministry, and we expect the project to ease pressure on our roads once it is operational,” Mafume said.
He said improving public transport would give commuters a practical alternative to driving into the city, helping to reduce congestion while improving mobility.
Mafume said the planned bus service is privately funded and forms part of broader efforts to modernise urban transport in the capital.
He added that cities with efficient mass transit systems have managed to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging commuters to leave their cars at home, saying Harare must pursue similar long-term solutions to keep pace with its growing population.
