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Freeman Razemba, Senior Reporter
CONSTRUCTION of the Mbudzi Traffic Interchange is now 85 percent complete and is set to be opened to traffic soon.
Last month, the Government paid US$38 million in compensation to all the 51 property owners who were affected by the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange in Harare, paving the way for the completion of the multi-million-dollar project.
At least 51 industrial, commercial and residential properties had to be demolished to make way for the interchange.
On the other hand, 95 families that were affected are being relocated to Hatcliffe where houses will be built for them.
The old Mbudzi roundabout had been a major vehicle traffic choke-point in southern Harare before the Government committed resources to turn it into an interchange, as the Second Republic continues to upgrade infrastructure to cope with modern demands and trends.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed the progress.
“Mbudzi Interchange Construction Project, the overall progress is now 85 percent and so far, the contractor is doing slopes erosion control and dumping off base material (crushed stone) is in progress on Bridge Number 1 underpass.”
After dumping off the base material, the contractors will compact, prime, tack coat, surface (tarring), mark the roads and put up signage before opening for traffic.
Construction of the interchange is being carried out by Tefoma Construction, a consortium set up by Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting and Masimba Construction.
The design for the interchange is made up of 15 bridges, with 13 directly on the interchange, while two bridges are on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
Last month, Government opened to traffic the newly constructed Amalinda Bridge and a 1,6km stretch along Amalinda Road, which is part of the traffic interchange.
Previously, the intersection was managed by a roundabout, but increasing traffic volumes caused congestion, especially during morning and evening peak hours.
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