Nkosentsha Khumalo
Friday marked the International Project Management Day and the Zimbabwean government was proud to announce its ambitious grand plan of introducing solar powered trackless trams in Harare and Bulawayo.
By introducing trams, the Government aims to reap the benefits of developing infrastructure, such as reducing traffic congestion in the country and increasing property values along the routes.
These new announcements came amid the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Confex 2024 Workshop which took place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo and running from 6-8 November.
It was revealed that the idea of the trackless trams was inspired by the country’s upcoming Cricket World Cup, slated for the year 2027.
The trackless trams project is estimated to cost anything between U$50 million to approximately US$70 million dollars.
The government believes that this new development will attract investors and make life easier for international spectators who will be coming to the country to watch the cricket tournaments.
Some of these trackless trams will lead directly to the Cricket World Cup venues.
Dr. Vinnet Ndlovu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Infrastructure Investment Group revealed during the AfriConfex 2024 Conference that these trackless trams will be covering an overall proximity area of 100km.
He said these trams have no physical tracks, no overhead wires, are cost effective and cover a total distance of 70km per hour.
Some of the benefits he mentioned include that the trams will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, improve economic stimulation along the routes and increase property values along the routes.
Ndlovu said this project is compelling as it comes with a sustainable solution to urban mobility challenges and will create technology jobs.
He said they have currently identified areas in parts of the country, where they are going to deploy the trackless trams.
“In Harare, we will deploy the trackless trams from the Central Business District (CBD) to routes such as Chitungwiza, Norton, and the University of Zimbabwe”
“In Bulawayo, we will deploy the trams from the CBD to routes like the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), to Bellevue road, Elona via Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Mzilikazi via Renkini and Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo airport.”
The stakeholders of the trackless trams project include the Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment. The project is being funded by the Public- Private- Partnerships (PPP), Given Infrastructure Funds, International Development Agencies, Government Infrastructure Budget and the ZIIG and CRRC partnership.
The Chinese company, CRRC is the technology provider and train manufacturer for the trackless trams project.
Ndlovu said the annual ridership of the overall trams will be estimately 1 million passengers.
“These trams will also enable significant reduction in carbon emissions and mostly create job opportunities for almost 500 people for creation, maintenance and operation of the equipment will be availed.”
“Currently, the next steps for the project are for us to conduct detailed feasibility studies for each route, conduct an environmental impact assessment, stakeholders consultations, the finalisation of funding engagement and the phased implementation plan.
“Some of the trams we are looking towards to is the DRP trams which have low energy consumption, take 15 minutes to be fully charged, have behavior tracking for drivers and passengers and have high level of riding comfort.”
Zim GBC News ©2024