The Cabinet has approved a proposal to engage Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East in the implementation of a Smart Traffic Management System in Zimbabwe. This was announced by Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, following the company’s feasibility study visit from May 12 to 16, 2024.
Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East, based in Dubai, specializes in smart traffic solutions and has successfully implemented similar systems in countries such as Morocco, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and Belarus. During their visit, they engaged with key stakeholders in Zimbabwe to discuss the project.
The installation of this system is expected to bring multiple benefits to Zimbabwe, including:
- Enhanced Law Enforcement: The system will ensure that traffic violators are held accountable.
- Reduction in Road Accidents: By monitoring traffic effectively, the system aims to decrease the number of accidents.
- Easing Traffic Congestion: It will help manage and reduce congestion, particularly in the Central Business District.
- Minimizing Corruption: With less human intervention, the potential for corrupt practices will be reduced.
- Increased Government Revenue: Fines from traffic violations will generate additional revenue, which will be reinvested into improving policing and infrastructure.
- Improved National Security: Intelligent cameras will be linked to databases of stolen vehicles and wanted criminals, enhancing overall security.
Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East will invest between 60 to 80 million US dollars initially. The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, starting in Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces. The company will recoup its investment through a revenue-sharing arrangement from fines collected for traffic violations.
This initiative represents a significant move towards modernizing Zimbabwe’s traffic management system, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and transparency on the roads.
