Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE will continue to use its geographical location as a critical link between major markets by facilitating movement of people, goods and services through the upgrade of road infrastructure to enhance regional and continental integration, President Mnangagwa has said.
This, he said, will be done through the use of local talent and resources consistent with the Second Republic’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (A country is developed by its own people)”.
The President made the remarks while commissioning the Trabablas Interchange, which was opened to traffic yesterday
“Our unique geographical location positions Zimbabwe as a critical link between major markets, facilitating the movement of people, goods and services. This is critical for advancing both regional and continental integration,” the President said.
“Through the ‘Road Corridors Approach’, our efforts in upgrading road infrastructure are bearing fruit. The North-South Corridor; Beira Development; and Limpopo Corridors are anchors of our connectivity as a land-linked and transit country. To this end, my Government is implementing a broad array of initiatives to reduce transit times. These include infrastructure like this Trabablas Interchange, which lies along the North-South Corridor. Similarly, upgrades of the Harare-Beitbridge, Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Roads, among others, dovetail with this quest.
“The construction of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road; Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, and Harare-Chirundu Road, among others, remains our priority. Additionally, my administration is modernising and streamlining customs procedures and border management.”
He commended the contractor for Trabablas Interchange,Tefoma, as well as the local talent that saw the completion of the project using local resources.
“Your trust in our vision and willingness to partner with us is appreciated. I also applaud the engineers, planners, skilled artisans, construction workers and all who dedicated their expertise and labour to bring this vision to life. These abundant skills in our great motherland, Zimbabwe, should now be deployed for the modernisation of infrastructure across the entire SADC region and our African continent as a whole,” said President Mnangagwa. “Beyond its economic value, this project has created jobs and empowered local contractors, while also showcasing Zimbabwe’s engineering prowess. Over 2 000 workers, including the youth and women, were directly employed on this project. Further, the ripple effects on downstream industries were also noteworthy, with most of the materials used being sourced and manufactured locally.”
The project, said President Mnangagwa, was evidence that the ruling Zanu PF delivers on its promises. “The Second Republic is decisively advancing the transformation of our national infrastructure with benefits accruing to all other sectors of the economy and the quality of life of our people. Zanu PF promises and Zanu PF delivers. We are delivering. This is real, here in Zimbabwe, we have done it. All the ‘doubting Thomases’ are invited to come and see. Let us be proud of who we are, and what we can achieve,” said President Mnangagwa
He said infrastructure was key for the attainment of Vision 2030, adding that the country’s national development priorities were mindful of the growing population, urbanisation, as well as the increased demand for quality services.
“In this regard, transport infrastructure was singled out as one of the critical enablers for economic growth, development, industrialisation and modernisation. It is also central to the, accessibility to goods and key services, leading to an overall improvement in the quality of life for the citizenry,” he said.
The growth of the economy and increased performance of sectors exerted pressure on roads resulting in congestion, accidents and frustrating delays, said President Mnangagwa.
“In view of this, my Government developed a comprehensive, long term strategy to transform our transport system to make it more efficient, sustainable and people-centred. The implementation of this multi-pronged approach focuses on improving the current infrastructure, upgrading public transport and ensuring behavioural change among road users, transport stakeholders,” said President Mnangagwa.
“One project under this strategy was the construction of this state-of-the-art interchange. With its completion, we expect a transformation in the way we travel, a reduction in congestion and improved connectivity, not only with regards to local transport, but also along the North-South Corridor.”
He said the construction of Trabablas Interchange was part of the Government’s broader plan to ease congestion across cities through widening major roads in central business districts that will also be complemented by appropriate interchanges at major intersections.
There will be two additional interchanges located at Simon Mazorodze and Willowvale roads as well as Simon Mazorodze and Remembrance Drive.
“Additionally, four interchanges will also be constructed at the Mabvuku Junction; Harare Drive/Mutare Road; Harare Drive/Liberation Legacy Way; Nemakonde Way/Harare Drive; Sam Nujoma/Harare Drive; Westgate Traffic Circle; Kuwadzana Traffic Circle and Churchill/Liberation Way. Nine junctions shall be updated as part of the Joshua Nkomo Road (RGM International Airport Road) upgrade to grade separation structures,” he said.
“In addition, smart traffic management systems are now also in place and will be deployed towards optimising traffic flow through intelligent systems. The rollout of these systems must be publicised and see greater discipline on our roads. These projects are expected to bring noticeable improvement to Harare’s transportation infrastructure and facilitate a smoother flow of traffic towards economic growth.”
He urged ministries and Government departments to work together, riding on the Whole of Government and Society Approach.
He also commended local communities for their resilience as they endured the inconvenience that came with road construction as it potentially caused disruptions to daily life, business and travel routines.
“Your cooperation, patience and understanding have been instrumental in assisting my Government to bring this Interchange to reality.
“It is my fervent hope that the benefits that will be brought about by this project will serve as an enduring reward for your resilience and support. Let us continue to build our country, Zimbabwe, brick by brick, stone upon stone,” he said.
President Mnangagwa called for the proper use and maintenance of the interchange.
“As we commission this interchange, let us also remember that infrastructure is only as good as how we maintain and utilise it. I, urge, all road users to adhere to traffic rules, drive responsibly and take pride in this and other national assets across our country. I challenge us to protect all our vital infrastructure from vandalism so that it serves our people for generations to come,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the name Trabablas was derived from one of his revolutionary names that he got during the liberation struggle.
It’s full name was Trabablas bricados Dzokerai Mabhunu.
The event was attended by Government ministers, Members of Parliament, captains of industry, Zanu PF Politburo members and it’s lower structures, senior Government officials among others.
Peter Tanyanyiwa