Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
TRAFFIC will be diverted to detour routes from September 9 to allow the start of construction works on the new Mabvuku Traffic Interchange, a key infrastructure project along the busy Harare–Mutare Highway.
The interchange, which has already seen the commencement of initial work, such as bush clearing and the creation of detour roads, is expected to significantly ease congestion on one of the country’s most important stretches of road.
The Harare–Mutare Highway not only links the capital to the eastern border town of Mutare and Mozambique, but also services heavy commuter and commercial traffic from Mabvuku, Tafara and surrounding suburbs into the city centre.
At peak hours, this section of the road has long been notorious for bottlenecks and accidents.
Construction of the Mabvuku Interchange comes just a few months after President Mnangagwa commissioned the landmark Trabablas Traffic Interchange, which now seamlessly connects Simon Mazorodze, High Glen and Chitungwiza Roads.
That project included 15 major bridge structures, some rising as high as 18 metres, and has been hailed as a feat of local engineering.
The new Mabvuku structure is part of a broader Government programme to modernise road networks, reduce congestion and enhance road safety as traffic volumes continue to grow.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development announced that the diversion will take effect from Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development wishes to inform the motoring public and all road users that traffic will be diverted to detour routes for the purposes of the construction of Mabvuku Interchange construction project,” reads the statement.
“Detours will be opened to traffic on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, to facilitate smooth and safe rehabilitation works.
“This temporary diversion has been necessitated by the commencement of the construction of the Mabvuku Interchange, ensuring the safety of both motorists and construction personnel while allowing progress on the upgrades.
“Clear signage will be in place to guide motorists through the alternative routes.
“The ministry regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this period.”
Meanwhile, preparatory works are already under way for two other planned interchanges — at the junction of Simon Mazorodze and Willowvale Roads, and at Simon Mazorodze Road and Remembrance Drive.
These early works include land clearing, soil testing and preliminary grading to make way for full-scale construction.
The Mabvuku project is one of several interchanges earmarked nationwide as Government intensifies efforts to modernise transport infrastructure.
Other interchanges are planned at Harare Drive–Mutare Road, Harare Drive–Liberation Legacy Way, Nemakonde Way–Harare Drive, Sam Nujoma–Harare Drive, the Westgate Traffic Circle, Kuwadzana Traffic Circle, and Churchill Road–Liberation Legacy Way.
President Mnangagwa has said the construction of such infrastructure is central to easing congestion, reducing road accidents and driving Zimbabwe’s long-term economic growth through modern, efficient transport networks.
