Staff Reporter

The Government has been hailed by citizens for a massive street lighting programme being rolled out countrywide, with a pilot project being carried out in the capital.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, a senior citizen from Harare, Khumbulani Nyuchi applauded the Government for stepping up efforts in this street lighting programme indicating that this move was commendable as it will make the streets of Harare and other areas safe for citizens during the night.

“This is a great initiative. Street lights are very essential as they can allow the smooth sailing of business even after hours. This is indeed a smart city agenda that our Government is pursuing,” said Nyuchi.

Another citizen from Rusape, Ruvimbo Makoni commended the Government’s street lighting programme saying it will help in curbing crimes and assist pedestrians to locate safe crossing points and to detect potential night-time hazards.

“The provision of street lighting can assist pedestrians to locate safe crossing points and to detect potential night-time hazards. Street lighting also reduce the number of pedestrian crashes and improved lighting can also help to discourage street crimes,” said Makoni.

One truck driver, Aaron Chiutsi expressed gratification over this positive development and highlighted that this was a good move as street lighting could help drivers to see the intersecting roads, turning vehicles and traffic queues.

“This move is highly commendable as it helps drivers with easy navigation and it also helps drivers to see the intersecting roads, turning vehicles, traffic queues and any other road users,” said Chiutsi.

Meanwhile, in Harare the Government has so far installed over 1 200 new lights. The project has been initiated by President Mnangagwa and his counterpart, Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame and is expected to cover about 35 kilometers of Harare’s major road network.

Streets lights have already been installed in roads such as Julius Nyerere Way, Seke Road, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo (Airport) Road and Samora Machel Avenue, among many others.