Harare to Introduce Double Lanes on Seke Road to Ease Rush Hour Traffic

 Traffic congestion on Seke Road

Authorities in Harare have announced plans to introduce double lanes at selected controlled points along Seke Road in a bid to ease traffic congestion during peak hours. Seke Road is the main arterial route linking the capital to Chitungwiza and surrounding areas, and has experienced mounting congestion in recent years due to rapid population growth and expanding residential developments.

Speaking during a traffic control and road safety campaign on Monday, Nomore Phiri, chairperson of the Harare District Traffic Liaison Committee, said the increasing volume of vehicles along the corridor has become a major concern for authorities.

“The increasing volume of traffic along Seke Road has become a significant concern,” Phiri said. “This congestion reflects the growing population in Chitungwiza, Seke, Dema and the new residential stands in Manyame Rural District.”

Phiri said the proposed intervention will allow motorists to temporarily utilise double lanes at designated points during rush hour under controlled supervision. To implement the measure, police will work closely with the Harare District Traffic Liaison Committee to manage traffic flows during peak periods.

“We have requested that law enforcement allow some motorists to utilise double lanes at designated points twice or thrice during peak hours. Our goal is to facilitate smoother traffic flow,” he said.

Authorities emphasised that the measure will be strictly monitored to prevent disorder and reduce the risk of accidents.

Phiri urged motorists to exercise patience and refrain from creating unauthorised or “imaginary” lanes, warning that such behaviour worsens congestion and compromises safety.

“It’s concerning to see passengers advising drivers to defy traffic rules,” he said. “This behaviour is not only irresponsible but also dangerous.”

He added that traffic flow has already improved along several major routes following ongoing coordination efforts between traffic authorities and law enforcement. These include the Mabvuku turn-off along Mutare Road, Kirkman Road, Bulawayo Road, and Simon Muzenda Road.

Seke Road remains one of the busiest routes into Harare’s central business district, carrying thousands of commuters daily from high-density suburbs and satellite towns. Authorities say further monitoring will determine whether the controlled double-lane system becomes a permanent feature during peak periods as part of broader traffic management reforms.

Harare congestion; Seke Road traffic; Chitungwiza; Zimbabwe traffic reforms