Zimbabwe plagued by poor infrastructure and corruption

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Driving in Zimbabwe has become increasingly dangerous and frustrating. A key factor behind the chaos is the frequent and dangerous practice of cars driving in the wrong lanes.

Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid increase in vehicle numbers over the past two decades. Many roads in Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare were built decades ago, during a time when there were less cars on the roads. Today, the number of vehicles on the roads has increased significantly, but the road network has remained largely unchanged and poorly maintained.

Potholes, faded markings, broken traffic lights, and missing road signs are common, making driving not only slow but hazardous. Narrow roads, often with only one lane in each direction, are quickly overwhelmed during rush hour. With no proper traffic management system in place and no significant investments in expanding or upgrading roads, motorists resort to driving in the opposite lane just to reach their destinations. Another major issue contributing to the driving chaos is the broken driver licensing system.

The current state of Zimbabwe’s roads and traffic management is ultimately a reflection of failed governance. The ruling party, which has been in power for over four decades, has largely neglected infrastructure development and public services. While billions have been lost through corruption scandals and mismanagement, very little has been reinvested into critical infrastructure, such as road construction and maintenance.

Public transport systems have deteriorated, and urban planning has failed to adapt to the changing needs of the population.

NEWTON TAPIWA MPOFU