Harare, (New Ziana) The City of Harare has urged residents to protect newly installed solar-powered traffic signals amid ongoing vandalism and worsening electricity shortages affecting the capital.
The newly installed solar-powered traffic signals are located at the intersections of Sam Nujoma Road and Harare Drive as well as Sam Nujoma and The Chase, the said on its official Facebook page, adding the signals are designed to function continuously, even during power outages, as they are powered by solar energy.
The project was carried out in partnership with road contractor Exodus & Company, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the city’s road infrastructure and ensure safer intersections.
“We urge residents to help preserve traffic signals throughout Harare,” the City Council stated.
The city continues to face challenges with vandalism of traffic lights, especially in the Central Business District with some traffic signals along Samora Machel Avenue lying damaged for weeks before they were eventually repaired.
Earlier this month, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume emphasized the importance of adopting solar powered traffic systems in response to the prolonged electricity shortages plaguing the country.
He called on the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) to assist by supporting the development of solar projects across Harare, including community rooftop stations.
Mafume said establishing a 100-Megawatt solar power plant in the city is a key goal of his administration, aimed at reducing dependence on ZESA and ensuring uninterrupted public services such as traffic management.
The city maintains that with proper regulatory support and responsible public behavior, solar energy solutions can play a major role in improving service delivery and reducing the impact of ongoing power outages.
New Ziana
