By Kalem Ghambi

Mzuzu, November 13, Mana: Despite rapid urbanization and increased traffic flow, Mzuzu City Council (MCC) operates without a single road traffic light in some of its streets.

This situation presents a challenge for both motorists and pedestrians hence requiring a delicate balance of patience and careful driving.

One of the taxi drivers in the city, Christopher Nyirongo said that lack of the road traffic lights is a catalyst to traffic jam in most cases in the city.

“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 preventable accidents," said Nyirongo.

Another driver, Blessings Mkandawire appealed to MCC to fast track construction of some roads within the city for improved road network, hence reducing road traffic congestion.

The spokesperson for the MCC, McDonald Gondwe said that the council is aware that the traffic lights are nonfunctional and that plans are 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 the smooth flow of traffic and enhance road safety," said Gondwe.

He said budgetary constraints and persistent threats of social unrest are some of the factors that hinder full restoration of the city's traffic infrastructure.

“I therefore appeal to stakeholders for assistance as fixing the lights requires a lot of money,” said Gondwe.

Spokesperson for Northern Region Police Headquarters, Morris Chapola said that the office deploys traffic police officers to regulate and control traffic jam.

He, however, stated that the responsibility for ensuring the functionality of the traffic lights lies with the council.

Blantyre and Lilongwe city councils have their traffic lights operational while Zomba doesn’t have any.