Another ribbon cutting on the same Mbudzi Interchange?

A newly constructed 790-metre link road and bridge along Harare Drive in the Houghton Park area have been opened to traffic, marking a major milestone in the multi-million-dollar Mbudzi Interchange project.

The development, welcomed by motorists and residents, is expected to ease traffic congestion in southern Harare. The link road connects a roundabout on Simon Mazorodze Road, passing through Houghton Park, Waterfalls Community Hall, and Parktown, and joins Masotsha Ndlovu Way, which runs between Simon Mazorodze Road and Seke Road.

The Mbudzi Interchange, strategically positioned at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads, is designed to accommodate both local and heavy regional traffic on the Harare-Masvingo Highway. Once completed, the interchange is expected to significantly improve traffic flow into Harare's city centre and surrounding areas.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona officially opened the road and bridge yesterday, highlighting the progress made on the country's largest single road construction project.

"The aim is to decongest traffic, especially at the former Mbudzi roundabout. Thanks to our visionary leader, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, we recognised the need for an interchange," said Minister Mhona.

The Minister noted that 14 of the project's 15 components have been completed, including two bridges on Amalinda Road and the Harare Drive Missing Link Road. The construction, undertaken by the Tefoma Construction consortium, is now over 85 percent complete.

Minister Mhona also outlined plans to rehabilitate more roads and border posts, including the Harare-Chirundu Road and Nyamapanda border post. Additionally, he announced progress on the Forbes border expansion project and the construction of a 31.5-kilometre bypass leading to the border.

Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tavengwa described the project as a landmark for urban development.

"This project enhances connectivity across the capital, alleviating traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for our citizens," said Tavengwa.

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development chairman Knowledge Kaitano commended the Government's commitment to upgrading national infrastructure.

Residents and motorists have expressed optimism about the project. Harare resident Mrs. Chenai Kwari shared her hopes for a swift completion, particularly for travellers from the Beitbridge Border Post. Motorist Mr. Sly Makaza applauded ongoing road rehabilitation efforts.

The Government has compensated 51 property owners affected by the project with US$38 million and plans to relocate 95 families to newly built homes in Hatcliffe.

The transformation of the old Mbudzi roundabout - a notorious bottleneck - into a state-of-the-art interchange reflects the Second Republic's dedication to modernizing Zimbabwe's infrastructure and enhancing national connectivity. Completion of the project is expected soon, promising smoother traffic flow and improved travel efficiency for the capital and beyond.