Nyika Growth Point in Bikita District has become the first growth point in Masvingo Province to install traffic lights, in a milestone development aimed at enhancing road safety and managing increased traffic volumes.
The installation, which comes amid growing concern over road safety near schools and public facilities, is part of a broader strategy by the Bikita Rural District Council to improve infrastructure and reduce accidents in high-risk areas.
The traffic control system has been placed near Ngwindingwi High School and Gumundu Primary School, both located adjacent to the busy Mutare-Masvingo highway.
Speaking during the handover of the facility, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bikita RDC said the lights were a necessary intervention to protect schoolchildren and other vulnerable road users.
“We fear for our children, and this development was crucial to protect them. The traffic lights will help regulate vehicle speeds and create a safer environment for the Nyika community,” he said.
The need for traffic regulation has become more urgent following the recent commissioning of a Redan fuel station at the growth point, which has contributed to increased vehicle movement and instances of speeding.
Mr Kombere Mungazi, spokesperson for the Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association, welcomed the development, describing the intersection as a high-risk area.
“It was indeed a red spot where these lights have been placed, and it’s a positive move,” said Mr Mungazi.
However, he also urged the local authority to address other pressing service delivery issues affecting residents.
“While this is commendable, we continue to face water shortages and poor road maintenance in various parts of the district. These also require urgent attention,” he added.
Meanwhile, Masvingo Provincial Roads Engineer, Eng Augustine Chigwereve, confirmed that road rehabilitation works are underway along the Mutare-Masvingo highway near Nyika, where 3km have already been completed, with 14km still under construction.
He appealed to motorists to exercise caution in areas where construction is in progress.
A local resident who preferred to remain anonymous expressed gratitude for the new traffic lights, stating that the move aligns with Government’s vision of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“Accidents had become common, especially during peak hours. This shows that Government is serious about infrastructure development and inclusive progress,” the resident said.
The development is expected to set a precedent for other growth points in the province, as authorities continue to decentralise infrastructure and services in line with the National Development Strategy 1.
