Masvingo-Glen Norah Loop Road Partially Opens, Advancing Mbudzi Interchange Project
Government yesterday officially opened a 3-kilometer stretch of the Masvingo-Glen Norah loop road, a key component of the ongoing Mbudzi Interchange project.
The event was marked by the presence of several senior officials, including Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, his deputy Joshua Sacco, Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa, Zinara board chairperson Dr. George Manyaya, and Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume.
The newly inaugurated loop road connects Amalinda Drive to Glen Norah C suburb and serves as an essential link to High Glen Road, which is a major route for Harare’s southwestern suburbs and the western parts of the city’s industrial zone.
The completion of this section marks a crucial milestone in the broader Mbudzi Interchange project, which aims to alleviate congestion at a heavily trafficked intersection.
The Mbudzi Interchange, located at the junction of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads, is a large-scale infrastructure project designed to address traffic bottlenecks caused by the previous roundabout system.
With traffic volumes surging, the need for an upgraded interchange became apparent. The new design includes 15 bridges, 13 of which are situated directly on the interchange, while the remaining two are on Amalinda Drive and Harare Drive. As of yesterday, 11 of these bridges have been completed.
Minister Mhona, addressing attendees at the opening, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. “I am happy that it’s going to decongest the roads. Those that are northbound will also be able to enjoy this particular stretch of the road,” he remarked. Mhona acknowledged the inconveniences faced by local residents during the construction but assured them that the situation would improve. “It’s a phase that will come to pass,” he said.
The Minister also addressed the issue of compensation for property owners affected by the project, stating that all payments would be finalized by the end of September. He emphasized the project’s alignment with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims for the country to achieve upper-middle-income status. “We are glad as a nation to have such a visionary leader (President Mnangagwa) who is championing development,” Mhona added.
Minister Tawengwa praised the loop road opening as a significant step forward in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development. He noted that the completion of the Mbudzi Interchange will foster economic growth and enhance connectivity between Harare’s north and south borders. “This iconic and grand facility is a springboard to economic growth, a key enabler to seamless traffic flow,” he said.
The project’s progress is notable, with 94 percent of bridge construction and 64 percent of civil works completed. Resident engineer Emmanuel Dube reported that overall project completion stands at 70 percent. The remaining tasks involve finalizing beautification efforts and additional roadwork.
