Harare – The city’s rapid growth has outpaced the construction of safe crossing points, and the gap is showing up in the numbers of pedestrians killed on the streets. According to a 2022 police report, an average of 320 pedestrians are hit each month, with about 50 of those incidents ending in death . Over the past decade, pedestrian knock‑downs accounted for 36.5 % of all road‑related deaths in Zimbabwe.
Footbridges are intended to keep people out of traffic, yet many are either missing, poorly designed, or blocked by traders. At the Joina City footbridge, for example, scores of commuters abandon the structure and cross the road directly, creating a “hole” in the median that has become a shortcut for dozens each minute .
“I have to cross that road every day to get to work,” says Tinashe Mukairi , who watches pedestrians scramble under the footbridge at Joina City. “The police are there at the intersection of Robert Mugabe and Julius Nyerere, but they just watch as people risk their lives.”
Road‑safety advocates point out that infrastructure design often neglects pedestrians.
The Machipisa footbridge has turned into a toilet due to neglect by local authorities in keeping it clean.
The Harare City Council has admitted that resource and skills shortages hamper regular inspections of bridges and other structures . Road expert Engineer Bernard Musarurwa says inspections are not conducted frequently because of limited expertise, and that remedial work is often delayed .
In a recent advocacy effort, the Road Safe Zimbabwe Trust highlighted the Nemakonde Way intersection, where five lanes of traffic pass a primary school and a church without any pedestrian crossing facilities. A mother helping her child was struck and killed earlier this year, prompting the installation of speed bumps and a crossing sign, but footpaths remain absent.
Authorities say they are reviewing the design of new footbridges, considering under‑passes and better lighting to encourage use. At the same time, the police continue to enforce the Road Traffic Regulations that require pedestrians to use available footbridges .
Harare Mayor Clr. Jacob Mafume said the city is working towards modernisation of the roads which Wil result in foot bridges being constructed in Harare.
Areas such as Kuwadzana along Bulawayo road recorded high numbers of pedestrian fatalities. The highway poses a great danger to pedestrians who cross from Kuwadzana to Dzivarasekwa. Warren Park pedestrian crossing point along Bulawayo road is not effective as shown by an increase in pedestrian fatalities.
Kuwadzana Extension Clr. Shoko said his area also needs these foot
bridges to reduce accidents where pedestrians are struck by vehicles along Harare Bulawayo road.
“We have noted with concern the number of pedestrian who have injured and some died crossing the busy Bulawayo road. Constructing a footbridge over the road is ideal.” Shoko said.
The conversation in Harare now centers on balancing rapid urban expansion with pedestrian‑friendly infrastructure. As the city continues to grow, the hope is that safer crossing options will catch up before more lives are lost.