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Nokuthula Dube
The Ruwa Local Board is finalising development of a slip road connecting Chiremba Road to the Harare-Mutare highway to ease congestion on roads leading into town.
The road, which has been under construction since October, is expected to be operational by the end of this month.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said: “Ruwa Local Board, in collaboration with Exodus Company, a local property developer, is constructing a slip lane from Chiremba Road into the Harare-Mutare highway to ease congestion in the town.
“Residents of the town have to endure long, winding traffic congestion queues every morning and evening as they embark on the work commute to Harare along the Harare-Mutare highway.”
The congestion, he added, has spilled onto feeder roads in Ruwa, particularly Chiremba Road, which serves as the main access route to the Ruwa industrial area, home to major companies like Probrands, Prodairy and MegaPak.
“This prompted the local authority to seek partnership with the private sector to implement a solution for the intersection at Mutare Road and Chiremba Road,” added Minister Mhona.
“Construction of the slip lane began in October and is expected to be completed by the end of this month.”
In a separate interview, Ruwa Local Board town engineer Madelene Makombe-Pfuwayi said the slip lane will provide the much-needed relief for motorists.
“We are excited to partner with Exodus on this project, particularly because it will have an instant effect on the motoring public in the town,” said Eng Makombe-Pfuwayi.
“These are the kind of partnerships we seek with the private sector; projects that have an impact on our residents.
“The slip lane will take away pressure from the traffic light as traffic going to Harare will turn left well before the traffic light.”
Once completed, she said, the slip road is expected to streamline traffic movement in and out of Ruwa, enhancing convenience for both residents and businesses while reducing congestion along one of the town’s busiest routes which commuters and travellers use.
Online Reporter