Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
THERE is notable headway in the construction of the Mabvuku Traffic Interchange with the contractor now setting out the foundation at the main interchange while traffic has since been diverted to detour routes to allow the major civil works on the key infrastructure project at the busiest intersection within the capital city along the Harare–Mutare Highway.
The Government has continued on the path of revamping and modernising key infrastructure projects across the country.
The interchange, which has already seen the commencement of initial work such as bush clearing and the creation of detour roads, is expected to significantly ease congestion on one of the country’s most important stretches of road.
The Harare–Mutare Highway not only links the capital to the eastern border town of Mutare and Mozambique, but also services heavy commuter and commercial traffic from Mabvuku, Tafara and surrounding suburbs.
At peak hours, this section of the road has long been notorious for bottlenecks and accidents.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the latest developments.
“The setting out for the foundations is now in progress, marking the start of construction for the new Mabvuku Interchange. “
“This crucial first step lays the groundwork for the entire structure, marking a significant leap forward. The project is a key part of our commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure, reducing congestion, and improving connectivity,” reads the statement.
Construction of the Mabvuku Interchange comes just a few months after President Mnangagwa commissioned the landmark Trabablas Traffic Interchange, which now seamlessly connects Simon Mazorodze, High Glen and Chitungwiza Roads.
That project included 15 major bridge structures, some rising as high as 18 metres, and has been hailed as a feat of local engineering.
The new Mabvuku structure is part of a broader Government programme to modernise road networks, reduce congestion and enhance road safety as traffic volumes continue to grow.
The Mabvuku project is one of several interchanges earmarked nationwide as Government intensifies efforts to modernise transport infrastructure.
Other interchanges are planned at Harare Drive–Mutare Road, Harare Drive–Liberation Legacy Way, Nemakonde Way–Harare Drive, Sam Nujoma Street Extension–Harare Drive, the Westgate Traffic Circle, Kuwadzana Traffic Circle, and Churchill Avenue–Liberation Legacy Way.
President Mnangagwa has said the construction of such infrastructure is central to easing congestion, reducing road accidents and driving Zimbabwe’s long-term economic growth through modern, efficient transport networks.
Meanwhile, more roads are also being constructed and these are Matopos Road which has since been handed over to the contractor, Zada Construction Company.
Another one, Makoni-Nyabadza Road construction Project is nearly completion in Manicaland Province.
The ministry said, “Another infrastructure milestone for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The official site for the rehabilitation of Matopos road has been handed over to Zada Construction Company. This project will enhance connectivity, improve commuter safety, and stimulate economic growth. Kilometre by Kilometre we work to upgrade and enhance our road network infrastructure towards Vision2030.”
“Surfacing work is currently underway on the Makoni-Nyabadza Road construction project. This phase marks significant progress towards completing this key infrastructure initiative, which will enhance connectivity and economic growth.”
