Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
PEDESTRIANS and cyclists have been urged to use designated cycle and footpaths at the Trabablas Interchange to avoid being hit by vehicles.
Last Friday, President Mnangagwa commissioned Trabablas Interchange, a US$88 million project, located at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen roads, that is a key infrastructure development aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in southern Harare.
In an interview, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development permanent secretary, Engineer Joey Makumbe, said the contractor had constructed pedestrian footpaths and cycle tracks that other road users should use.
“We recently witnessed the commissioning of the Trabablas Interchange by His Excellency Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa and it is now open to traffic,” she said.
“When we talk about this interchange, we are talking about an area where high-speed traffic is going in opposite directions, some going up, some going down, some going under and some going on top. It is not interchange for pedestrians and cyclists.
“What we have done alongside the interchange is to build footpaths and cycle tracks that will be used by either locals or people in transit.
“So they should not walk or ride or sit in the interchange because they risk being knocked down by vehicles. So to reduce accidents, we are encouraging people to use those foot paths,” she said.
Zimbabwe Builders Contractors Association (ZBCA) chief executive officer Ms Joyline Zindanga also said, “I would like to take the opportunity to implore the motorists to adhere to speed limits and observe road signs to reduce road traffic carnage.
“Our Government took the initiative to construct the new Trabablas Interchange, which is a historic monument to us and I want to continue to encourage pedestrians to use those designated pedestrian walkways and desist from using motorways.
“It is key for pedestrians to also wear reflective clothing at night so that they are visible to motorists and also to encourage pedestrians to use designated crossing areas, such as those pedestrian crossings, for their own safety.”
