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Tafara Chibanda
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, officially opened the Mbudzi Interchange yesterday, hailing it as a testament to the government’s commitment to upgrading the country’s infrastructure.
The new road section, located three kilometers from St. Petros Kubatana, is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow for northbound travelers.
The government invested US$143 million in the project, which is now between 73 to 76 percent completion.
Addressing journalists at the event, Minister Mhona said the the aim is to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
“We are witnessing magnificent infrastructure gradation in our country, which had never been seen before.
“This project demonstrates our visionary leader’s championing of development.”
Minister Mhona acknowledged the project’s challenges, including compensation disputes with property owners; however, he assured that all affected parties would be fully compensated by the end of the month.
“Come the end of this year, we will not sleep; we will work 24/7 to ensure completion,” Mhona pledged.
Engineer Emmanuel Dube explained that the project includes 21 km of road works and 15 bridges, with 13 bridges already at deck level.
Dube emphasized that the new interchange aims to enhance traffic flow, particularly for motorists traveling from Masvingo to Harare.
“You no longer have to stop at what used to be a roundabout; this interchange will significantly reduce congestion,” he stated.
Dube described the project as a great separated interchange designed to improve traffic movement.
“This loop will ease congestion on the detour road of Route 3 and provide better access to Glen Norah,” he said.
“The interchange will unblock the previous roundabout, allowing seamless travel from Masvingo to Harare,” Dube said.
“The 3km loop we are opening today will ease congestion on the detour road and provide access to Glen Norah,” he said.
In terms of structural progress, Dube reported that 94 percent of the bridges are nearing completion with only two bridges left to reach the deck level.
Online Reporter