Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
THE US$88 million state-of-the-art Trabablas Interchange is set for commissioning this Friday, marking a significant infrastructural achievement under President Mnangagwa’s administration. The interchange forms a crucial part of the North-South Corridor, a vital regional trade route connecting Zimbabwe with SADC member states and the broader African continent.
Over the years, the Second Republic has spearheaded transformative projects, completing and advancing initiatives that had long stalled before the advent of the New Dispensation.
Among the many transformative projects commissioned by the Second Republic are Hwange Units 7 and 8, whose commissioning has significantly reduced power outages across the country.
The transformation of Mt Hampden into Zimbabwe’s new administrative capital is also progressing steadily, marked by the recent completion of eight state-of-the-art villas at the Diplomatic Village. These villas reflect the Government’s commitment to world-class urban infrastructure and complement the nearby new Parliament Building.
They are hailed as symbols of renewal and visionary leadership, forming part of a broader master plan for a more efficient and modern urban landscape. With further construction underway, these initial villas offer a glimpse into Zimbabwe’s promising urban future — sleek, well-organised, and full of potential.
Innovation hubs established at institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe, Harare Institute of Technology, and Zimbabwe Defence University are also among the impactful projects delivered by the Second Republic. These hubs have saved the country millions of US dollars previously spent on importing goods and services — including vehicle number plates.
Thanks to the number plate production facility at the University of Zimbabwe’s innovation hub, the country has cleared a once-daunting backlog. Zimbabwe now boasts a production capacity of 14 000 plates per day and is positioned to supply number plates to other countries in the region.
In addition, the launch of Zimsat — Zimbabwe’s satellite programme — aims to enhance Smart Agriculture and disaster mitigation efforts.
The Government has fostered a conducive environment for research and innovation through the Education 5.0 model. This has supported initiatives such as the refurbishment and operationalisation of the Oxygen and Nitrogen Gases Plant, significantly reducing gas imports.
The Manhize Steel Plant, poised to become one of Africa’s largest steel producers, has also commenced production, contributing to the country’s economic development. Once fully operational, the US$1.5 billion plant will rank among the continent’s largest integrated steelworks.
Production began in July last year, starting with pig iron and later expanding to steel billets.
The plant also features a 50MW power station, feeding excess electricity into the national grid, as it consumes only 28MW.
President Mnangagwa also commissioned the newly upgraded US$153 million Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which has brought significant transformation to the aviation and tourism sectors. The airport’s commissioning further demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to modernising and industrialising Zimbabwe in pursuit of Vision 2030.
Air transport plays a vital role in the country’s re-engagement and engagement strategy.
In addition to these developments, road rehabilitation projects are underway across the country. Notably, Zimbabwe is funding these initiatives using its own resources, without relying on external financiers.
Analysts have observed that the Second Republic continues to meet the aspirations of the people.
Political commentator Mr Dereck Goto, remarked yesterday that President Mnangagwa has shifted the national discourse from promises to tangible results.
“When President Emmerson Mnangagwa took office in 2017, he inherited a nation in urgent need of renewal — economically, institutionally, and psychologically.
“What has unfolded since is not merely a catalogue of infrastructure projects, but the emergence of a developmental state grounded in delivery, pragmatism, and a recalibrated social contract.
“So, has President Mnangagwa walked his talk? The facts increasingly say yes. This is not about political theatre — it is about realigning national priorities with delivery and foresight,” he said.
Mr Goto said that the foundation has been firmly laid by the President.
“More recently, the Trabablas Interchange has redefined urban mobility in southern Harare, showcasing world-class engineering led by local companies and easing perennial congestion. But these are just a few threads in a broader national tapestry.
“The challenge now lies in entrenching institutional accountability, safeguarding momentum, and ensuring that infrastructure translates into opportunity — particularly for the youth, women, and rural populations,” he said.
Political analyst Mr Kudzai Mutisi, also praised President Mnangagwa’s leadership, noting the delivery of tangible results across various sectors.
“We expect President @edmnangagwa to officially open the Trabablas Interchange this Friday.
“This is one of the numerous mega-projects implemented by ED’s Government,” he said on his X handle.
