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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
MOTORISTS in Bulawayo have welcomed new road signs being installed by the local authority saying standardisation of road signs in the SADC region makes it easy for them to navigate across neighbouring countries.

In separate interviews, motorists said some of them drive across the region hence it was important to have uniform road signs regionally.

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) recently started installing the new signs in line with SADC regulations on roads in a move that complies with Government’s Statutory Instrument 41 of 2016.

Motorists who spoke to The Chronicle commended council, but added that it should have done some campaigns before the installation.

“We were shocked to just come across the new sign posts. Campaigns should have been conducted prior to the installation of the new signs. The Give Way sign has been replaced with a Stop sign but what is left is for council to complete the process by drawing the markings because with just a Stop sign, it is not clear where one is supposed to stop,” said Mr Brighton Karimazondo.

Another motorist, Mr Daniel Nkomo, said the new signs are already in use in countries such as South Africa and Botswana.

“A lot of us travel across the region. We come across these signs whenever we are driving in the region. I think council did well,” said Mr Nkomo.

The city’s Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads as council is still to complete the new road signs installation project.

“The motoring public is therefore advised to exercise caution when driving in these areas during the installation of these road signs. The City of Bulawayo is currently erecting the signs and thereafter road line markings will be done. Residents are advised that the new signs will be complemented with appropriate road line markings before they are commissioned,” said Mr Dube.

Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe spokesperson Mr Tatenda Chokuda said the new signs are in line with the revised Highway Code that they have started to implement.

He said the new Highway Code should be fully implemented by the end of 2025.

“The road signs are not entirely new to our cross border drivers who acquaint with them as they drive in the SADC region. This is not to say TSCZ is not generating awareness. By the way the new look Highway Code will be wholly adopted after December, 31, 2025. TSCZ has already embarked on accelerated communication around the new signs via social media, mass media, road shows, exhibitions and fairs,” said Mr Chokuda.

@nqotshili