Masvingo's 'Trabablas' interchange to open by end of year

Masvingo's long-awaited Trumpet Interchange near Masvingo Polytechnic is expected to open to traffic by the end of December 2026, with provincial officials saying the project will significantly improve traffic flow along one of Zimbabwe's busiest transport corridors.

The update was provided during a media tour organised by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, attended by Information Minister Zhemu Soda, Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana and other government officials.

The delegation also toured several strategic infrastructure projects in Masvingo Province, including the Mutirikwi Hydro Power Station, Bikita Minerals and the newly completed Great Zimbabwe Monuments Visitors Entrance.

Speaking at the interchange construction site, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said major components of the project had already been completed.

"The projection is that by 31 December 2026, this will be done. The contractors have promised us that this will be completed. Already the Mucheke Bridge, which was a major bottleneck, has been completed, easing congestion in the area," Dr Pazvakavambwa said.

Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Douglas Chimhande, said the project will feature a three-legged trumpet interchange connected to a new roundabout.

"There are two bridges that were constructed at Mucheke River, and two more are being constructed upstream. An interchange here will become a game changer as traffic will be diverted, one flow using the top lanes and the other using the bottom lanes, feeding into the new roundabout," Chimhande said.

He explained that the temporary roundabout currently in use would be removed once construction is complete.

"There will be a dual carriageway passing through the bridge, and roadworks are happening there. That will pass through this interchange. Once the interchange is completed, the temporary roundabout will be removed," he said.

The Trumpet Interchange forms part of wider efforts to modernise Masvingo's road infrastructure and improve traffic movement along the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare highway, one of Zimbabwe's busiest freight and passenger transport routes.

Officials say the project is expected to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and enhance road safety by eliminating conflict points that have historically contributed to accidents in the area.

Residents and motorists have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that it will ease persistent traffic congestion, particularly during peak travel periods and public holidays.

During the tour, officials also visited the Mutirikwi Hydro Power Station, where Dr Pazvakavambwa announced plans to construct two additional hydroelectric power plants downstream as part of efforts to expand Zimbabwe's renewable energy generation capacity.

The delegation also toured Bikita Minerals to assess the company's contribution to provincial economic development.

At the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, officials inspected the newly completed visitors' entrance, which was constructed in just 10 months after work commenced in July 2025.

Government says the infrastructure projects are part of broader efforts to improve transport, energy and tourism infrastructure while supporting economic growth and regional development in Masvingo Province.