Previous desperate proposals to end congestion

◆ Tollgates into city centre: At some point, the authorities mulled the construction of a tollgate between the city centre and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to raise money for road rehabilitation and construction. Toll plazas were also suggested for other major roads leading to the city centre. ◆ Cable cars: A study was conducted by a Europe-based company on the possibility of introducing cable cars in the capital. The cable car proposed was designated the “Red Line”. Route One was supposed to begin from Simon Muzenda Street (formerly Fourth Street) running across Angwa Street to Chinhoyi Street. Route Two was to start from Simon Muzenda Street via Albion

Street to Freedom Square.

◆ Rail passenger services: In a bid to decongest cities, Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) partnered with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) in introducing rail passenger services. The move was also anticipated to alleviate public transport challenges for the commuting public in areas that include Mufakose, Ruwa, Dzivaresekwa, Tynwald, Kambuzuma, Mabvuku and Ruwa.

◆ Commuter omnibus holding bay: The supposed US$500 000 commuter omnibus holding bay at the corner of Coventry Road and Abdel Gamal Nasser Road (formerly Rotten Row) remains a white elephant a decade after its construction. The holding bay was built to help decongest the city centre in 2014. ◆ Surveillance cameras: In 2018, the authorities embarked on a U$2 million programme of installing surveillance cameras at traffic lights in the central business district (CBD) to deal with congestion and traffic offenders. The cameras were envisaged to help identify culprits, especially those who impede the smooth flow of traffic.

◆ Express bus lanes: In 2021, the Government ordered the creation of express lanes for public transport. The City of Harare introduced bus lanes on a few streets in the CBD. However, it has been failing to ensure the motoring public exclusively reserves the lanes for buses.