US$88M Mbudzi -Trabablas Interchange Officially Opened

6 More interchanges for Zim drivers….

By Shingirai Vambe

In a bid to ease congestion and improve road safety, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced plans to expand Harare’s road infrastructure. The announcement was made during the official opening of the Trabablas Interchange, formerly known as the Mbudzi Roundabout, which links three critical roads: Simon Mazorodze, High Glen, and Chitungwiza.

The Trabablas Interchange is a significant infrastructure project that features 15 major bridge structures, some towering up to 18 meters above ground level. The project, which began in January 2022, was completed at a reported cost of approximately US$88 million. While the project’s completion has been welcomed, the cost has sparked public debate and parliamentary scrutiny, with critics calling for an audit to clarify how funds were utilized.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Trabablas Interchange project, President Mnangagwa remains committed to improving Harare’s road infrastructure. “Processes for the construction of two additional interchanges along Simon Mazorodze Road are underway,” Mnangagwa said. “These will be located at the intersections of Simon Mazorodze with Willowvale Road, and Simon Mazorodze with Remembrance Drive.”

*Zimbabwe President, Cde Emmerson D. Mnangagwa.*

Beyond these, the President revealed plans for four more interchanges at busy traffic points across the city. These include Mabvuku Junction, several spots along Harare Drive, as well as major traffic circles such as Westgate and Kuwadzana. Additionally, nine junctions along Harare and Bulawayo Airport Roads are set for enhancement into grade-separated structures to ease traffic flow.

To optimize traffic flow and improve road safety, the government plans to deploy smart traffic management systems. These systems will use intelligent technology to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion. “The rollout of these systems must be publicized to encourage greater discipline on our roads,” Mnangagwa said.

The expansion plans mark a significant investment in Harare’s transport infrastructure, aiming to reduce congestion, improve safety, and modernize traffic management across Zimbabwe’s capital city. The Trabablas Interchange project has already shown the potential of such investments, easing traffic flow along Simon Mazorodze Road and other connecting routes.

As the government moves forward with its plans, the road infrastructure in Harare is set to undergo significant changes. With the introduction of smart traffic management systems and the construction of new interchanges, the city is poised to become a more efficient and safer place to drive.