By Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – The traffic congestion which cripples business operations in Harare continues to mount without any solutions or attempts to solve the problem being put in place. Urban congestion is a growing challenge for cities worldwide, and Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, is no exception. The city’s roads are increasingly burdened by a rising number of vehicles, leading to frustrating delays and economic inefficiencies. One potential solution gaining traction globally is the implementation of a congestion charge. Here’s a look at how this policy could impact Harare:
Understanding Congestion Charges
A congestion charge is a fee levied on vehicles entering a designated area, typically a city centre, during peak hours. For Harare the peak hours can be between 6am to 8am and 4pm to 7pm. These can be set as peak hours and anyone entering during these times would have to pay congestion charge, failure to pay within 14 days will then attract a penalty charge. The goal is to discourage unnecessary vehicle use, thereby reducing traffic volume and promoting alternative transportation. Revenue generated from the charge can be reinvested in improving public transportation infrastructure. For this to work the Harare city council would have to stop the corruption they are so used to, another option would be to have the Zimbabwe traffic safety board handle all issues to do with congestion charge as Harare city council has a record of embezzling funds and failure to manage many important aspects of the city. Traffic safety board would be a better option to handle the congestion charge issues, more jobs would also be created as many people would work within the congestion charge department. CCTV would be the most important factor in implementing the congestion charge, having people on the streets to collect congestion charge can never work in Harare as there is far too much corruption from many departments, the city council police and Zimbabwe republic police openly collect bribes from the streets so they should not be given another chance to fatten their wallets. CCTV is the way to go.
Potential Benefits for Harare and reduced traffic congestion. By making driving more expensive during peak hours, a congestion charge could incentivize drivers to seek alternative modes of transport, such as public buses, cycling, or walking. This would lead to a decrease in the number of vehicles on the roads, resulting in smoother traffic flow. Improved air quality for Harare is achievable is fewer vehicles are on the roads, this translates to reduced emissions, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment for Harare’s residents. Enhanced Public Transportation is very important and is also a means of revenue from the congestion charge this revenue could be used to fund improvements to Harare’s public transportation system, making it a more attractive and viable alternative to driving. Investment in bus systems, and other forms of mass transit is a necessity.
Considerations for Implementation
Public acceptance is key for implementing a congestion charge this also calls for careful public engagement and education to address potential concerns and ensure widespread acceptance. A successful congestion charge system relies on a reliable and efficient public transportation network. Therefore, investments in public transit are crucial.
Technology and enforcement require investing in advanced technology, such as automated number plate recognition systems. Automated number plate recognition systems are widely in use in car parks as well and they are very effective. If Zimbabwe is to be a good tourist destination the country needs to move with the times and make improvements and development from time to time. Hosting major business and sporting events will work well if Harare and major cities are fully functional and existing problems being resolved.
It is important that any congestion charge system is implemented in a fair way, that does not disproportionately affect lower income residents. There is so much selfishness in Harare and other parts of Zimbabwe such that certain groups of people want to benefit from most things while the majority suffer.
The introduction of a congestion charge presents a potential solution to Harare’s growing traffic woes. While careful planning and implementation are essential, this policy could pave the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and liveable city.
My passion to resolve Harare`s problems is because I am a Zimbabwean but mostly because of my lineage as royal Family of Harare. Harare is the land of my forefathers the Mbari clan who ruled in Harare during the pre-colonial era. The name Harare was King Mbari`s nickname so everything about Harare is very important to me and preservation of my heritage is key. It also becomes important for me and my fellow Harare royals to enjoy the benefits of living in Harare which should be a liveable city with development and be able to attract international tourists who bring the much-needed revenue to continue with development to fall in line with the changing times. Harare should function in an orderly manner which shows that we know what we are doing and we care about our city. There are several tourist attractions which are not fully utilised due to numerous problems which go unresolved. The Mbari clan are a major stakeholder in Harare and as such we have to participate in problem solving and development of the city and the area and all land which forms the borders of Harare Kingdom which was King Mbari`s territory being area of Harare, Seke, Chitungwiza, Chihota up to Waddilove in Marondera, Mazoe, Nyabira, concession, Domboshava, Chinamhora, up to to Great Dyke by Pote River. King Mbari and the Mbari clan are of the Shumba Gurundoro totem. King Mbari`s Kingdom was destroyed by colonialism when British invaded Zimbabwe and took over the land.
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