Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to officially commission the multi-million-dollar Mbudzi Interchange today, a landmark infrastructure project poised to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity in Harare. The vital interchange, a flagship initiative of the Second Republic, will also be officially renamed the Trabablas Interchange during the commissioning ceremony.
Constructed at a cost of US$88 million, the interchange sits at the busy intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road, Chitungwiza Road, and High Glen Road in Harare.
Remarkably, the project was fully self-financed by Zimbabwe without external funding, and executed using local contractors — demonstrating the country’s capacity to deliver major infrastructure against all odds.
Previously, the Mbudzi roundabout was a notorious traffic bottleneck in southern Harare. The Government’s decision to transform it into a modern interchange is part of broader efforts by the Second Republic to upgrade national infrastructure in line with contemporary demands.
Strategically located, the interchange also serves as a key link between Zimbabwe and South Africa — its largest trading partner.
Among the key benefits of the project are the decongestion of the Mbudzi area, improved traffic efficiency, reduced travel times, and enhanced road safety.
On Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona led an inspection tour of the site, accompanied by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbra Rwodzi, Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Joey Makumbe, and other senior Government officials.
In preparation for today’s commissioning, the Masvingo–Glen Norah Loop was temporarily closed but will reopen following the official ceremony.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development confirmed that preparations for the commissioning were at an advanced stage.
“The now-complete traffic interchange is not only a transformative piece of engineering genius but also marks another milestone under the leadership of President Mnangagwa. This interchange will boost connectivity, ease traffic, and drive economic growth, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to modernising Zimbabwe’s transport network. The wait is finally over,” the ministry said.
In a separate statement, the ministry announced the temporary closure of the Masvingo-Glen Norah Loop and advised motorists to use alternative routes.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, through its Department of Roads, is completing final preparations for the official opening and commissioning of the Trabablas Interchange on Friday, May 30 2025, by His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa.
“To ensure the safety of all road users and facilitate the smooth opening of this major transformative project, the Masvingo-Glen Norah Loop will be temporarily closed from 29 May 2025 to 30 May 2025.
“During this period, motorists are advised to use alternative routes, such as Amalinda Road. The Ministry sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding,” the statement read.
The Mbudzi Interchange design comprises 15 bridges — 13 of which are directly part of the interchange, with two additional bridges located on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive.
