Despite rapid urbanisation and increased traffic flow, some streets in Mzuzu City are operating without traffic lights.
The situation presents a challenge for both motorists and pedestrians as chaos reigns supreme during peak hours. To avoid accidents, motorists execute a delicate balance of patience and careful driving.
One of the taxi drivers in the city, Christopher Nyirongo said in an interview on Wednesday that the absence of traffic lights was causing traffic jam in the city.
St Denis and Boardman Road in Mzuzu
“Most motorists disregard traffic rules and regulations during peak hours and fail to yield to other vehicles. This contributes to increased road traffic congestion and accidents,” he said.
Another driver, Blessings Mkandawire appealed to Mzuzu City Council to expedite construction of some roads within the city to improve road network to reduce traffic congestion.
In a separate interview, Mzuzu City Council spokesperson McDonald Gondwe said the council was aware that the traffic lights were not functioning and that plans were underway to fix them.
“The absence of traffic lights causes significant disruption to traffic flow in the city; hence, we need to invest in modern traffic management solutions to ensure smooth flow of traffic and enhance road safety,” he said.
Gondwe said budgetary constraints and persistent threats of social unrest were some of the factors that hinder full restoration of the city’s traffic infrastructure.
“I appeal to stakeholders for assistance as fixing the lights requires a lot of money,” he said.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Morris Chapola said they deploy traffic police officers to regulate and control traffic in the city.
He, however, said the responsibility of ensuring the functionality of the traffic lights lies with the council.
Blantyre and Lilongwe city councils have their traffic lights operational while Zomba does not have any.
