Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Commuters and motorists in Bulawayo are raising alarm over the non-functioning traffic lights at the intersection of Khami Road and Basch Street, just outside the central business district (CBD).
This malfunction has been identified as a significant contributor to the ongoing traffic congestion in the area.
Concerns from Commuter Operators
Morgan Msipha, the director of operations for the Bulawayo United Passengers Transport Association, described the intersection as a “death trap,” noting that the traffic lights have been out of order for over two weeks. He emphasized that the responsibility for addressing this issue lies with the city council, stating,
“It is the council that is responsible for that so we have left the issue in their hands.”
How ever, the intersection is impassable during the peak hours with errant drivers especially Mshikashika failing to give way to other traffic.
It is amazing that no accident has occured at the non-functional traffic lights.
Improvements from Traffic Management Changes
Despite the challenges posed by the malfunctioning traffic lights, Msipha acknowledged that the council’s recent introduction of left turns at intersections has positively impacted traffic flow within the CBD. He observed a significant reduction in congestion at those intersections, suggesting that such measures are beneficial for managing traffic.
City Council’s Response
At the time of reporting, Nesisa Mpofu, the corporate communications manager for the Bulawayo City Council, was unavailable for comment regarding the traffic light situation. The ongoing concerns from commuters highlight the need for timely maintenance and effective traffic management strategies to ensure safety and efficiency in the city’s transportation network.
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