Remember Deketeke
INSTALLATION of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered traffic cameras at 20 key intersections in Harare is now in its final stages, as the Government moves to modernise traffic law enforcement through a technology-driven surveillance system designed to improve road safety and curb violations.
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The Smart Traffic Management System, being spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has already seen the installation of smart poles at all identified sites, while work on mounting traffic cameras and related infrastructure is nearing completion.
Ninety-five percent of the targeted intersections have been connected to fibre internet, with only four sites outstanding.
Work is underway at the intersections of Leopold Takawira Street and Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Robert Mugabe Road and Abdel Gamal Nasser Road, as well as Cripps Road and Remembrance Drive.
Installation of cameras has already been completed at the corner of Jason Moyo Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street, while ongoing works are focusing on the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Glenara Avenue.
The Harare City Council is simultaneously upgrading supporting infrastructure, including traffic lights, road signage and road markings in preparation for the system’s full rollout.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said significant progress had been made under the first phase of the project, with major works expected to be completed by the end of this month.
“The Smart Traffic Management System is progressing well and we are satisfied with the developments achieved so far. Installation of smart poles at all the 20 identified intersections has been completed and work is continuing on the installation of traffic cameras,” he said.
Solar-powered backup systems, he said, were also being installed to ensure uninterrupted operation, with all critical equipment already delivered into the country.
Preliminary testing of the system is expected to begin in the first week of June.
“The testing phase will focus on assessing system functionality, reliability, network stability and overall operational readiness before full implementation,” he said.
At the heart of the system is a traffic command and control centre being set up at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters.
The facility will act as the nerve centre of the entire operation, receiving live feeds from cameras across the city, analysing data in real-time and coordinating enforcement responses.
Construction of the command centre is at an advanced stage, with structural works completed and installations of air conditioning, furniture and finishing works underway.
“Tiling and partitioning works have already been completed, while technicians are currently working on painting, air conditioning and furniture installations,” he said.
This will be followed by installation of large monitoring screens and computer systems.
The system will automatically detect and record traffic violations such as speeding, jumping red lights and driving against traffic.
Using AI-powered image recognition, the cameras will capture vehicle number plates and analyse driver behaviour without the need for constant human monitoring.
Speed detection cameras, equipped with radar or laser technology, will instantly flag motorists exceeding prescribed limits, while automatic number plate recognition systems will link offences to vehicle and driver records.
All violations will be transmitted to the command centre, where they will be processed and used to generate digital evidence for enforcement.
The system will also be integrated with key national databases, including those of the Central Vehicle Registry and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, as well as financial platforms such as banks to facilitate the payment of fines.
In line with this undertaking, the Traffic Fines Ticketing System is now 95 percent complete and undergoing user acceptance testing, including integration with the CBZ payment gateway.
The system will enable motorists to receive, verify and pay fines electronically, reducing the need for physical interaction with enforcement officers.
Amb Faranisi said the adoption of automated systems would improve efficiency, reduce human error and enhance consistency in traffic law enforcement.
“The system will improve road safety and compliance with traffic regulations while enhancing the efficiency of law- enforcement agencies through automated monitoring,” he said.
Globally, similar systems have been credited with reducing accidents by encouraging motorists to adhere to traffic rules due to the increased likelihood of detection.
The first phase of the project covers major intersections across the capital.
Once completed in Harare, the project will be extended to Bulawayo under the second phase.
