KWEKWE POLYTECHNIC-INSTALLED HYBRID SMART CITY TRAFFIC LIGHTS SYSTEM UNVEILED IN MUTARE
MUTARE, 4 July 2026 – What began as a modest idea in 2022 has today become a remarkable reality, proving that dreams, when matched with innovation, determination and teamwork, can indeed come true.
The journey towards the successful installation of the Hybrid Smart Traffic Lights System began when Kwekwe Polytechnic's Electrical Engineering Department conceptualised an innovative solution to address growing traffic congestion in urban centres. The idea was inspired by the increasing challenges of managing traffic flow on busy roads, compounded by erratic electricity supplies that frequently disrupted conventional traffic light systems.
Determined to transform the concept into reality, the technical team developed the first prototype on a simple wooden board in preparation for the 2023 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). Although modest in appearance, the prototype successfully demonstrated the functionality of what would eventually evolve into a sophisticated, intelligent traffic management system with several unique and innovative features.
During the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, as well as the Harare Agricultural Show, Kwekwe Polytechnic's Business Development Unit, working closely with the technical team, actively marketed the innovation to local authorities across the country. While several councils expressed interest in the project, the City of Mutare distinguished itself by taking a decisive step towards making the vision a reality.
This commitment culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024 between Kwekwe Polytechnic and the City of Mutare. The agreement was signed in Kwekwe by the Principal of Kwekwe Polytechnic, Mr Evans Musara, and the then Acting Town Clerk of the City of Mutare, Mr Chafesuka.
The partnership gathered momentum in 2025 when Kwekwe Polytechnic successfully submitted and won the bid to install the City of Mutare's traffic lights system, with implementation planned in phases. Installation works commenced soon afterwards and the first phase was successfully completed in April 2026.
The successful execution of the project was made possible through a collaborative effort involving several departments within Kwekwe Polytechnic, including the Electrical Engineering Department, Civil and Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Information Technology, the Business Development Unit and other supporting sections. The project stands as a testament to the institution's multidisciplinary expertise and capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.
The official unveilling ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of government officials, education leaders and stakeholders. The event was graced by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Hon Mugadza; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Tagwira; the Director of Tertiary Education Programmes, Mr Damba; the Secretary of the Tertiary Education Services Council (TESC), Eng. Dr Mudondo; principals and representatives from sister tertiary institutions; as well as students and staff from Kwekwe Polytechnic.
Speakers at the ceremony underscored the importance of building strong strategic partnerships between tertiary institutions and local authorities in driving national development through home-grown innovations.
In his address, Professor Tagwira applauded the City of Mutare for demonstrating confidence in local tertiary institutions by embracing indigenous innovation. He encouraged other local authorities to emulate the City's example and partner with institutions of higher learning in delivering sustainable development solutions. The Permanent Secretary also expressed his delight at Kwekwe Polytechnic's recent decision to commercialise the innovation, describing it as a practical demonstration of the country's drive towards innovation-led industrialisation.
Earlier, the Town Clerk, Mr Chafesuka, reflected on the project's journey, noting that an initiative conceived in 2023 had finally come to fruition in 2026. He appealed to the Minister of State to assist in addressing bureaucratic red tape and procurement bottlenecks that often delay Government-to-Government partnerships, saying the successful completion of the project demonstrated what could be achieved when institutions work together effectively.
In his closing remarks, Hon Mugadza congratulated Kwekwe Polytechnic, the City of Mutare and all stakeholders involved for successfully collaborating on a project that will significantly improve urban traffic management while showcasing Zimbabwe's technological capabilities.
The newly commissioned Hybrid Smart Density-Controlled Traffic Lights System incorporates several advanced features designed to improve traffic management and public safety. These include:
• Intelligent traffic flow management that automatically adjusts signal timing according to real-time traffic density, reducing unnecessary delays while improving both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
• Automated vehicle counting and classification, generating valuable traffic statistics to support evidence-based planning and future infrastructure development.
• Automatic detection of traffic offences through real-time image capture, including vehicle identification and number plate recognition, with records updated automatically once penalties have been settled.
• Continuous 24-hour surveillance of intersections through high-definition video and audio recording, with authorised remote access from any location where connectivity exists.
• A resilient hybrid power system combining mains electricity, solar energy and battery backup, enabling uninterrupted operation for up to 20 hours during power outages and fully independent operation under optimal solar conditions.
The successful completion of this landmark project firmly demonstrates Kwekwe Polytechnic's technical capacity, innovation and expertise in delivering complex engineering solutions. The institution remains committed to forging more strategic partnerships with cities, municipalities, local boards and rural district councils across Zimbabwe to provide sustainable, locally developed technological solutions.
This achievement is a shining example of the transformative impact of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, made possible through the unwavering support of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development and the Tertiary Education Services Council (TESC). It also reinforces Kwekwe Polytechnic's growing reputation as a centre of excellence in innovation, industrialisation and community development.
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